Did Bush Look In Maliki's Eyes?

You might recall this noteworthy quote:

Bush was prompted to make his now famous declaration that that he had "looked in Putin's eyes and got a sense of his soul."

Since that time, Russia has caused us nothing but grief through the UN, particularly on Iran, and Putin is showing more signs of a former Soviet dictator, than of someone who wants to promote peace abroad and democracy in his homeland.

Now Bush finds himself in a situation where he must look into the eyes of another leader, PM Maliki of Iraq, and make a determination whether or not Maliki can provide the political and military leadership we will need from him in Iraq to succeed. I am not comforted by the Putin incident. Nor am I comforted by initial reports, though it is, after all, the New York Times.

BAGHDAD, Jan. 14 — Just days after President Bush unveiled a new war plan calling for more than 20,000 additional American troops in Iraq, the heart of the effort — a major push to secure the capital — faces some of its fiercest resistance from the very people it depends on for success: Iraqi government officials.

I've said before and continue to believe that, no matter how effective our own effort, winning or losing in Iraq will ultimately be in Iraqi hands. This is Bush's last chance to get Iraq right. And because we have taken four years to get to where we are today, his time is very limited.

We can accept no obstruction from Maliki, we must have his genuine cooperation and the cooperation of the military under him, as well as other Iraqi politicians. If within 60 - 90 days it appears Maliki is not living up to his purported commitments and progress in Iraq suffers at the hands of Iraqi sectarian strife at the highest levels, it must be dealt with immediately and decisively, or it will soon be time to begin bringing our troops home.

Comments

[Purple Avenger]

Shit happens...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngo_Dinh_Diem

[Horatio]

I'll be looking forward to your next predicted "last chance" after this one goes awry. Be sure to send me a link on e-mail, kay?

[ZH]

Jack told the terrorist he had tied up for his other fag terrorist that he wanted to look into his eyes last night before he turned him over to his bitch.

[seekeronos]

There really is a simple way to do this:

BUSH: Hey Maliki. Kill Mookie and his men, or you'll have an unexpected meeting with some Kurds, and I'll turn Sadr City into a parking lot... Remember, you boys are a dime-a-dozen, and I can replace you as sure as I can blow my nose. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

MALIKI: Yes, saheeb.