Rumors in Iraq

Omar hears one; and it's encouraging for those who think Maliki can still succeed:

Two weeks ago the forces of the interior ministry arrested a group of militants that are believed responsible for a number of crimes. Those terror suspects turned out to be members of the Badr organization whose leader is Abdul Aziz al-Hakeem.
Al-Hakeem paid PM Maliki a visit and asked him to order the release of the detained Badr members, a request that upset Maliki and to which he responded by telling al-Hakeem "I am trying to build a state here and you come to ruin it?!! There's no way I'm doing what you are asking me to do".
The two men exchanged very harsh words and al-Hakeem was so angry when he rushed out of al-Maliki's office.

A good sign, if true. But the rumor itself is a good sign. We need Iraqis to believe that Maliki is a serious national figure, able to stand up to sectarian pressures. Rumors like this help.