Iraq

This is not good.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Many of the Shiite Muslim religious leaders who strongly backed the formation of the Iraqi government now are condemning it, warning that the country could descend into full revolt......

Many Shiites have refrained from engaging in all-out war because of repeated pleas from the Shiite leaders' council, the Marjaiyyah, to show restraint. The recent statements from religious leaders suggest that stance could be changing.

"The Marjaiyyah will support the government as long as the government serves the people," Abdul-Aziz al Hakim, the leader of the United Iraqi Alliance, the largest Shiite political bloc, said in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. "This was a warning."

As Maliki's government stumbles, the Shia politics of Iraq will become the primary issue. If Shia coalition abandons Maliki.....

And what does the US do in this position? Try to prop up a hobbled, non-backed Maliki? Try to find another 2/3 consensus candidate? (yeah, right.) Allow a coup(rumor only)? Or just get out?

How does the US reinforce security, build Iraqi forces, rebuild the country, etc, in any of these cases?