Bush expresses frustration with non-functional Iraqi government

U.S. President George Bush has reportedly expressed his frustration with the administration of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, saying that the Iraqis would soon have to decide whether they wish to support him or not.

London, Aug.22 : U.S. President George Bush has reportedly expressed his frustration with the administration of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, saying that the Iraqis would soon have to decide whether they wish to support him or not.

Bush is said to have told reporters covering the North American Summit that the present Iraqi Government was falling short in terms of responding to the public.

"If the government doesn't respond to the demands of the people, they will replace the government. That's up to the Iraqis to make that decision, not American politicians," The Independent quoted Bush, as saying.

America's envoy to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, told reporters in Baghdad yesterday that progress was "extremely disappointing".

Democrat Senator Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on the Iraqi Assembly to throw Maliki out.

Levin also called for the withdrawal of American troops from January 2008, and believes that most US forces should be out of the country by the middle of next year.

Senator Levin has made the most forceful call for leadership change in Iraq from a leading American politician. A majority in Congress want to end the war and their response to General Petraeus' report may determine how long the US remains engaged in its failing war.

ANI