From CNN yesterday:

It's called the Office of the Commander in Chief, set to be a shadowy entity created by Iraq's prime minister.

Multiple U.S. military and intelligence sources say the office has the power to overrule other Iraqi government ministries ... According to a U.S. intelligence source, the office is "... ensuring the emplacement of commanders it favors and can control." Specifically, removing from command or detaining Iraqi police and army officers perceived as too aggressive in cracking down on Shia militias. Allegations the government vigorously denies.

Where did Maliki ever get the crazy idea of an executive branch office purging officials, empowering blind loyalists, and quietly imposing a political agenda on other government agencies?