For Maliki, is this a nudge or a push?

So, is the front page NYTimes article on the failings of Iraqi PM Maliki an inside story trying to nudge him towards action, or an outside story that really reflects a broad dissatisfaction and doubt about Maliki's government? I would wager the former although the latter is definitely true.

Senior Iraqi and American officials are beginning to question whether Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has the political muscle and decisiveness to hold Iraq together as it hovers on the edge of a full civil war.....

“And that drives Bush crazy. He doesn’t take well to anyone who talks about getting something accomplished and then refuses to take the first step.”

American officials here say they do not intend to let Mr. Maliki fail and are helping him in a variety of ways.

It's an indirect criticism from the White House coupled with a statement of support. On the second page, you get more supporting quotes and facts from outside this storyline.

I'm going to say again that I think Maliki's government is more wobbly than presented. It's main present challenge is how to deal with the federalism legislation introduced by al Hakim and the SCIRI which is opposed by Sadr and the Sunni block. It represents two dangerous fracture lines, Sunni/Shia and SCIRI/Sadr.

(Just as context, this "nudge" comes the day after Lee Hamilton of the James Baker led Iraq Study Group said, "the Baghdad government must prove it deserves continued support." "The Iraqi government must act." "The people of Iraq are looking to him urgently for leadership." "the people of Iraq have the right to expect immediate action" on those issues.")

Elsewhere: 4 US soldiers deaths announced, 45 killed (although I would bet this is low since it doesn't include the death squad bodies.)

(And for a more positive finish, this story made me smile.)