Maliki marks end of agreement with US

Although U.S. troops left Iraq two weeks ago, Saturday marked the official end of the security agreement between the two countries, and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was quick to take political advantage of the occasion via the podium and a text message to citizens.

“All of us are for Iraq glory and pride in the nation,” the message read. “I congratulate you and our Iraqi people on this historic day. With love and with my respect to you and your honorable family, your brother, Nouri al-Maliki. “Recipients reported getting their texts over a period of at least 75 minutes.

Hours later, inside a packed basketball arena, the prime minister delivered an upbeat 25-minute speech, praising many aspects of his troubled country. He also spoke of harmony, even as his critics continued to accuse him of moving toward a dictatorship in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.

“I’m telling you, Iraq is for all those who believe in the democracy,” he told the crowd. Meanwhile, in a move that appeared to strengthen Maliki’s position, two political leaders in provinces south of Baghdad announced that they were withdrawing their support from the parliamentary bloc al-Iraqiya, a group that is supported by many Sunnis and has been a leading voice in criticism of Maliki, a Shiite.