[WilliamReading]

SPIEGEL: In your opinion, which factor has contributed most to bringing calm to the situation in the country?

Maliki: There are many factors, but I see them in the following order. First, there is the political rapprochement we have managed to achieve in central Iraq. This has enabled us, above all, to pull the plug on al-Qaida. Second, there is the progress being made by our security forces. Third, there is the deep sense of abhorrence with which the population has reacted to the atrocities of al-Qaida and the militias. Finally, of course, there is the economic recovery.

Hmmm . . haven’t you left something out, Mr. Maliki?

Like the U.S. Army?

Perhaps George Bush has indeed been played for a fool?

[avacado]

"Hmmm . . haven’t you left something out, Mr. Maliki?

Like the U.S. Army?

No kidding!

"Perhaps George Bush has indeed been played for a fool?"

I hate for you to be right, but sheeze... it's hard to not have that thought right now.

[ncalburt]

DO not fall for TWO FAR LEFT propaganda outlets that intentionally TWIST and DISTORT this PM words so it will help OBama . These are radical leftists that Lie and Hide and Distort everything in order to help a fellow Marxist named Obama . We are witnessing the largest OBama Propaganda campaign waged world wide by radical left wing press since the Nazi era. Weeks later the Iraqi PM will demand an apology and it will ignored !