I think this is more an empty threat just to be able to have a stronger hand in negotiations with the Bush Administration (someone needs to sit down with Maliki and explain to him that Bush already has the weaker hand as the U.S. President can't unilaterally make a treaty without Congressional ratification - didn't they put this into the Iraqi Constitution, as well?), but there is news out today that Maliki is threatening to end negotiations <a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/41047.html">kick out all International forces at the end of the year</a>" (yes, that would include the U.S. forces).

I think a better strategy for Maliki is just say that there is no need to negotiate with the Bush administration, and that he will instead begin negotiating with the President Elect Obama on the day following the U.S. election.