Maliki lashes out at Clinton and others

L.A. Times Article:

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki lashed out Sunday at U.S. and French politicians who have called on him to step down and accused U.S. forces of committing "big mistakes" in killing and detaining civilians in the hunt for insurgents.

It was the second outburst in recent days from the beleaguered leader, who has come under fire from allies and adversaries who accuse him of failing to unite his Cabinet and get key laws and programs in place. On Sunday, he drew fresh criticism from two influential Republican senators.

At a hastily called news conference after meeting with other Iraqi leaders, Maliki dismissed the calls for him to step down as "ugly interference" in Iraq's domestic affairs.

He trained his angriest words on Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and her fellow Democrat, Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan.

"There are American officials who consider Iraq as if it were one of their villages, for example Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin," he told reporters. "They should come to their senses."