US President Obama arrives in Iraq in surprise detour after Turkey visit
Hurriyet Daily News with wires
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Obama, who landed in
Obama told reporters he came to
"We spent a lot of time trying to get
Obama said one major reason for his visit was to thank the troops. "They are doing extraordinary work. General Odierno has been helping to lead a very effective operation here."
He spoke with General Ray Odierno, the top
In an earlier announcement, the White House had said that Obama would meet U.S. commanders and troops, and speak to Iraqi leaders by telephone.
Flying secretly from Istanbul at the end of his first major international tour, Obama was to visit the scene of a war that he inherited from his predecessor, George W. Bush. It was Obama's first visit to Iraq since before his November 2008 election victory, which was bolstered by his campaign pledge to start bringing U.S. troops home. Asked why Obama had come to Iraq, Gibbs said "there are several important reasons, not the least of which is to see and spend some time with the men and women who are serving our country honorably here."
Photo: AP.