What Say You, Maverick?

by digby

Iraq’s prime minister said Monday his country wants some type of timetable for a withdrawal of American troops included in the deal the two countries are negotiating.

It was the first time that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has explicitly and publicly called for a withdrawal timetable — an idea opposed by President Bush.

He offered no details. But his national security adviser, Mouwaffak al-Rubaie, told The Associated Press that the government is proposing a timetable conditioned on the ability of Iraqi forces to provide security.

In Washington, the State Department declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations and said officials in Washington were not yet entirely sure what al-Maliki had said.

Seems the Iraqis aren’t on board the hundred years occupation program. Can McCain hope to sell his “victory” at all costs plan without the Iraqi government on board too?

This should be interesting. They may be able to reel Maliki back in short term with the usual inducements, but they can’t really hide the fact that the Iraqis want the Americans to GTFO.

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