On Surprise Iraq Visit, Biden Urging End to Political Crisis

Source: Associated Press

Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Iraq on Thursday to implore the country's leaders to resolve a crippling political crisis that has hindered efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.

Biden landed in Baghdad mid-afternoon after a secret, overnight flight from Washington on a military plane. Stepping onto the tarmac in blistering heat, he greeted the U.S. ambassador and Lt. Gen. Sean McFarland, the U.S. commander heading the fight against IS, as swirling dust masked the skyline behind them.

The White House didn't disclose Biden's itinerary, but said he would meet with Iraqi leadership to stress national unity and discuss the campaign against IS extremists. Biden also planned to meet with U.S. personnel working in the country.

His visit comes amid a wave of tense protests and demands for sweeping political reforms that have paralyzed Iraq's government, already struggling to tackle a dire economic crisis and battle IS. The Obama administration has stepped up its military role with more troops and equipment in hopes of putting Iraq on a better path as President Barack Obama prepares to leave office in January.

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