You are sort-of right. Maliki has his own agenda for sure and given his druthers he would just as well be another dictator. The man is no democrat. With this said, Bush was in no position to keep the democracy push going. With Obama crying ‘we surrender’ during the campaign, there was just no way Bush could have kept the pressure on Maliki.
With that said, there is a chance enough forces and good people can keep democracy going in Iraq. There are certainly powerful elements that want human rights. However, by default and in the name of respecting Iraqi ‘culture’, Obama has joined the forces in Iraq that don’t want democracy.
It’s cynical politcs on Obama’s side. Sure, he hates GWB. i get that. But, a substantial person would protect the dignity of the out-going president and therefrore; the dignity of the US of A. If you read history, it’s a precedent in this country.
But, Obama is not a substantial person. He governs and campaigns to keep the press happy. He’s in way way over his head. Once America stops feeling guilty about slavery, he’ll be replaced by an adult.
Agreed that Bush cut the best deal he could, against a substantial push from the Iraqis to get us out sooner, and, as you note, tremendous domestic pressure to get out.
It will be interesting to see what happens as a result of the recent flurry of large, successful attacks by Al Qaeda.
I don’t trust Maliki or Obama do to the right or smart thing.