Dead Maliki Walking
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fwonkette.substack.com%2Fp%2Fbuskandmaliki.jpg)
We're taking bets on the eventual overthrow of our very own 21st Century Ngo Dinh Diem, Iraq Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki -- will it be surreptitiously sponsored by us or by al-Sadr-allied Shia hardliners? Even money right now, as Maliki's getting a surge whether he likes it or not:
"The government believes there is no need for extra troops from the American side," Haidar al-Abadi, a Parliament member and close associate of Mr. Maliki, said Wednesday. "The existing troops can do the job."
More fun: the additional Baghdad troops will be ostensibly under the command of Maliki, who will theoretically be allowed to bypass the American-controlled Ministry of Defense, as they'll be fighting alongside Iraq troops. But, of course, the plan also calls for them to engage al-Sadr's Mahdi Army, whose support Maliki depends on. Update your 2007 deathpools, kids. It's gonna be the best bloodbath ever!