The Iraqi PM and his irritation

So Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki is busy speaking out against American politicians (such as Senators Levin and Warner) who have been critical of him. The Washington Post reporter sugggests Maliki is simply "weary" of being slammed by American leaders. Suggestion: that doesn't really get at what's going on here. Remember, Maliki is an elected leader. His constituency is Iraqis. Do you think Iraqis--or any people, for that matter--like it when foreigners criticize their country? Of course not. And they expect pushback from their leaders against it. Maliki is simply doing what he expects his constituents want him to do.