US military warned Iraqi govt of imminent attack

"The U.S. military had warned of an imminent attack hours before last week's deadly bombings in Baghdad, but the tip came too late to act on, Iraqi security officials said Sunday as outraged lawmakers pressed for answers about Iraq's ability to protect the capital.

Even news that 13 al-Qaida-linked suspects have been detained in connection with the bombings did little to quell the angry parliament members, who shouted down security officials as they tried to defend their forces.

The grilling in parliament was the third session since Tuesday's attacks that put government officials and security brass on the hot seat. It also suggested that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki may need much bolder action to repair the government's image heading toward March elections.

So far, he shook up the Baghdad security command and some officers have been placed in custody for possible negligence after bombings that left at least 127 people dead and more than 500 wounded.

But many lawmakers — mostly political foes — have refused to let the government off the hook."

It's good to see MPs and political foes of the Iraqi PM refusing to let the government off the hook. This is another sign of a true democracy. Saddam's goons would have imprisoned or murdered any Iraqi for criticizing Saddam's murderous regime.