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What're the odds of a Maliki led "reconciliation" when this is the talk in the Iraqi papers?

The fact is, Maliki now faces a stiff opposition from major Shi'a parties within his own coalition (the Sadrist Current and Fadhila), an overwhelming majority of the Sunni street and from the neighboring Arab governments (which is reflected in the coverage of Saudi-financed newspapers). To add to Maliki’s woes, Az-Zaman claimed – in its London edition – that Maliki may be losing the support of President Talabani over the IAF crisis.

The obvious question in this case is: who will replace Maliki when his cabinet, finally, falters? Both Az-Zaman and al-Hayat said that talks of a Maliki replacement are already beginning to dominate political discussions in Iraq. Al-Hayat said that four candidates are currently discussed – in Baghdad – as possible successors to the current Prime Minister.

The paper said that the ex-Prime Ministers Iyad 'Allawi and Ibrahim al-Ja'fari are readying themselves to compete over the position, in addition to “the perpetual candidate” 'Adil 'Abd al-Mahdi and the secular Mahdi al-Hafiz who announced his intentions to run for the position.

Just out of curiousity, what's the US reponse if Maliki does fall? Do they pin the blame on him, "weak leader, never really made an effort," and say, "now we can move forward?"

The king is dead, long live the king?