The rumor of an Iraqi coup is back.

The rumor is back, but this time I see a political play in it.
(Moonie Times)

Iraqi army officers are reportedly planning to stage a military coup with U.S. help to oust the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Cairo-based Iraqi and Arab sources said Monday several officers visited Washington recently for talks with U.S. officials on plans for replacing Maliki's administration by a "national salvation" government with the mission to re-establish security and stability in Iraq....

There's more detail in the article, but I don't buy it. Too complicated. Too many groups. Too many loose lips. It's interesting how this rumor keeps popping up in the press each time the US wants Maliki to do something unpopular.

Maliki Acts to Rein in Militias.

This rumor seems to have long legs, probably because it's useful.
(Maliki will never hear the one that gets him.)