Maliki Believes U.S. Criticism Comes From Ignorance

Anderson Cooper sat down with Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who expressed that he understand criticism from U.S. politicians are from a place of ignorance and a lack of understanding.  Great interview:

COOPER: You're actually agreeing, to some extent, that -- that the government has been dysfunctional?

NOURI AL-MALIKI, IRAQI PRIME MINISTER (through translator): Yes, definitely. That is why we are considering reenergizing it and reconsidering the process of minister selection, so that they are more professional. But this does not mean that the ministers did not achieve anything. They fought all the challenges and achieved successes, but we want more successes.

COOPER: Does it anger you when you hear U.S. politicians essentially saying you should resign?

AL-MALIKI (through translator): Frankly, I don't blame them, when they don't know the facts and when they don't realize the difficulties.

Every person wishes that everything happens fast and with ease, but he who lives the problems and the challenges is he who appreciates the situation. So, I don't blame them, because they're not aware of the actual challenges.

COOPER: Have you ever considered resigning?

AL-MALIKI (through translator): No.

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Comments

[Todd Anthony]

The ONLY reason I would ever want us to leave Iraq would be because of al-Maliki...the guy absolutely reeks of cronyism (sp) it makes me ill.

[Amy Proctor]

I actually like Maliki, although my mind isn't made up yet. Petraeus/Crocker/Bush aren't kidding when they say Maliki has an incredibly difficult job to do... Iraq is unlike anything we've ever dealt with. I give him the benefit of the doubt for now.