Al Hakim (subtly) repositions himself

If you've been watching the subtle positioning within Iraqi politics, this AP story is a must read. SIIC leader Al Hakim, leader of the main constituent bloc of the Maliki government, has repositioned himself in slight opposition to the Maliki government on the Sunni militias, and gently criticized Maliki on core issues to the broader Shia population, refugees, Shia reconstruction, the empty cabinet seats and generally ineffective government.

It's too broad to excerpt effectively, but if you read this carefully, you get the sense of a big change in a very small step. Al Hakim is obviously feeling pressure from the Shia street over SIIC support for Maliki. (and I assume that sentiment is pushing towards Sadr.)

It's also interesting to note the way he's stringing along the Sunni militias to maintain their "morale." He doesn't want them in the security forces any more than the other Shia, but he must be feeling their "loyalty" beginning to slip away.

Really, it's worth a read.