Auggh!!! - when will the stupid stop?

We're being held hostage... by Iraq!... at least, that's how this news is being interpreted:

Iraq slides election until January
By ROBERT H. REID, Associated Press
18 May 2009
BAGHDAD – National parliamentary elections will be held Jan. 30, Iraqi officials announced Monday, sliding the date into next year in a move that could complicate the U.S. timetable for drawing down its forces.
[emphasis added]

Whatever happened to,

"... when it comes to our security, we really don't need anybody's permission."
[Bush on Iraq: We Don't Need Permission, 7 Mar 2003]

???

Why is what is best for the U.S. being held hostage to Iraq's domestic politics???