Obama in Iraq

Obama makes surprise stop in Iraq Washington Times — President Obama made a surprise visit to Baghdad Tuesday on his way home from a weeklong trip through Europe, thanking American troops for their service and delivering a message to Iraq's elected leaders that he expects them to peacefully resolve their remaining political differences and take full responsibility for their country. "Now is not the time to lose focus. We have to be even more focused than we've been in order to achieve success," Mr. Obama said, addressing several hundred U.S. soldiers who received him exuberantly at Al Faw Palace inside Camp Victory, the massive military base surrounding the airport outside Baghdad. click to read complete article

Obama, Maliki optimistic for Iraq's future United Press International — U.S. President Barack Obama said he was convinced that U.S.-Iraqi resolve and commitment for the future will be greater than any obstacle encountered. "Overall, violence continues to be down," Obama said in a joint appearance with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad. "There's been movement on important political questions. But we have been reminded that there's more work to do." click to read complete article

Barack Obama says: time for Iraqis to take back Iraq Guardian UK — Barack Obama wrapped up a landmark eight-day swing through Europe with a surprise visit to Iraq today - his first as president - and told US troops that Iraqis now needed "to take responsibility for their own country". Continuing the outreach to the Arab and Islamic worlds that dominated his last stop in Turkey, Obama said he was committed to his timetable for a troop withdrawal, but determined not to let Iraq slide back to war. click to read complete article