Baghdad ? Iraq’s government payroll has become so heavy with soldiers and police that it’s now hindering reconstruction, Iraq’s prime minister warned Wednesday, raising the possibility of security force cutbacks just as U.S. combat troops are pulling out.

It’s doubtful whether Nouri al-Maliki would ever slash too deeply into Iraq’s police and military with U.S. forces due to end combat missions next August. But it may reflect shifting priorities as violence eases and the government faces increased demands to spend money on rebuilding roads, electrical grids and other services crippled from years of war and neglect.