Iraq in a Nutshell

Recall that Talabani is a Kurd--a separate ethnicity from majority Arabs. He aligns with Shia (though Kurds are mainly Sunni).

--So does Bush not actually realize this and is really that clueless?
--Or does he know better and he is trying to goad Talabani in that direction (national unity reconciliation)

And better question: which is worse?

clipped from www.washingtonpost.com Talabani had been delayed getting to the meeting. When he arrived, Bush greeted him warmly, according to Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell. "Mr. President. Mr. President. The president of the whole country," Bush said to Talabani, before shaking his hand and sharing a traditional Middle Eastern greeting.