Al-Maliki is apparently going to challenge Bush today on several issues -- including the Israeli-Lebanon conflict (he's not on our side in that one):
The growing differences between Iraqi and American policies reflect an increasing disenchantment with American power among politicians and ordinary Iraqis, according to several politicians, academics and clerics. Sectarian violence has soared despite the presence of the Americans, and recent cases where American troops have been accused of killing civilians or raping Iraqi women have infuriated the public.Pinnochio is growing up and wants to run a real country.
Mr. Maliki and other top Shiite leaders also want to maintain strong ties to Iran, whose influence is rising across the Middle East, officials say.
In a break from CNN's Lebanon frenzy, Suzann Malveaux just briefly reported on Al-Maliki's visits noting that privately, some "administration officials" are acknowledging things aren't going well in Iraq. You think?
