But the Iraqi government’s newly stated position on troop withdrawals has put the McCain campaign — and many congressional Republicans who have been on record opposing timelines — in a difficult position. Randy Scheunemann, McCain’s chief foreign policy adviser, told reporters on a campaign conference call that the senator would gauge the proper level of US troops in Iraq according to security conditions on the ground and the advice of US military commanders. He made no mention of the views of Iraq’s elected government.

But Rep Ray LaHood (R-Ill), a reliable opponent of withdrawal timelines, was not as dismissive. “If we’re going to crow about the fact that 12 million (Iraqis) voted and elected their own leadership, we have to pay attention to their leadership,” he said. “We can’t have it both ways. We should say we’re heading for the door.”

Some Republicans questioned the value of anything Maliki said, recalling that even senior Democrats last summer labeled him an inept leader and called for his ouster. “I find it interesting that Prime Minister Maliki is now the person to go to,” said Minority Whip Roy Blunt, the second-ranking Republican in the House.

Others insisted that Maliki’s statements were designed for domestic consumption in Iraq — which has scheduled provincial elections for December — and did not reflect his government’s true feelings.