Maliki objects to the US arming the Sunnis

From an article where Gen. Odierno says the US controls 40% of Baghdad.

In Baghdad, aides to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told The Associated Press that talks Saturday between the U.S. defense secretary and the Iraqi leader were difficult.

Two top advisers to the prime minister said al-Maliki, a Shiite, objected vigorously to the new U.S. policy of arming and training Sunni militants in the fight against al-Qaida.

I think the key question is, does Maliki object to arming the Sunnis as a Shiite factionalist, Iranian associate, or as a governmental figure?

The reason I bring this up is that there are persistent rumors from the Shia factions that the US is arming the Sunnis not to fight Al Qaeda, but instead to counterbalance Iranian shipments, to placate Sunni regional powers like Saudi Arabia, or to arm the Sunnis for a coup or civil war.

I don't put much stock in those rumors as I don't think the US is working at that level, but those rumors are out there, and they are certainly coming to Maliki from his supporters, and thus, impacting the politics.

What are the larger political dynamics of the US arming the Sunnis? Does it make Maliki less willing to work with the US? More so? Does it undermine him?