Surprise: Maliki Thinks Obama’s Set-In-Stone Timeline For Withdrawal Should Be Flexible

Obama sat down with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki today and, in Obama’s own words, Maliki asked for “flexibility” in a withdrawal timeline.

Obama said that during their discussion, Maliki spoke about the need for a time frame for withdrawal, “but his view is he wants some flexibility in terms of how that’s carried out.”
Obama also said the Maliki feels his government is ready to exercise more sovereignty.

Kind of puts all that liberal triumphalism over Maliki’s seeming agreement with Obama’s set-in-stone 16 month timeline for giving up in Iraq into perspective, doesn’t it?
I mean, Obama wants the troops out in 16 months. Period. No questions asked. McCain on the other hand wants troops out when conditions in Iraq warrant it.
Which of these two plans is more fitting with Maliki’s desire for “flexibility?”