Iraqi satrap — um, ‘scuse me, prime minister — al-Maliki said today:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki voiced frustration with both President George Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday, saying their recent criticism of the Iraqi government probably helped the “terrorists.”

Al-Maliki, whose relationship with the United States is strained, was especially upset about Rice’s comment last week before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when she said that al-Maliki’s government is working on “borrowed time.”

“Such statements give moral boosts to the terrorists and push them towards making an extra effort and making them believe that they have defeated the American administration, but I can tell you that they haven’t defeated the Iraqi government,” he said during a meeting with a handful of reporters.

He’s right, of course. If criticizing the Bush Administration and opposing its war plans gives aid and comfort to “our enemies” (sic), then surely critizing “our” erstwhile ally the satrap also accomplishes the same.

So, can we try Bush et al for treason now?

The Best of Charles H. Featherstone