Sadr, top Sunnis unite to oppose Maliki

Just yesterday, the White House "leaked" a memo saying that centrist Sunnis, just like these two top political figures, should be coopted into Maliki's coalition to free him from Sadr.

And what does Sadr do? He convinces these two top Sunni politicians and blood enemies to side with him against Maliki and the US.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced a widening revolt within his divided government as two senior Sunni politicians joined prominent Shiite lawmakers and Cabinet members in criticizing his policies.

Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi said he wanted to see al-Maliki's government gone and another "understanding" for a new coalition put in place with guarantees that ensure collective decision making.....

Al-Maliki's No. 2, Deputy Prime Minister Salam Zikam Ali al-Zubaie, also a Sunni, argued that the president's government failed to curb the spread of sectarian politics.

The White House can debate backing or abandoning the Sunnis all they want, but Sadr is running the country right now. That is the reality.