Obama flies to Iraq: 'a lot of work to do here'

[kpete]

Source: Associated Press

Apr 7, 10:57 AM EDT


Obama flies to Iraq: 'a lot of work to do here'

By JENNIFER LOVEN
AP White House Correspondent


BAGHDAD (AP) -- Unannounced and surrounded by heavy security, President Barack Obama flew into Iraq on Tuesday for a brief inspection of a war he opposed as a candidate and now vows to end as commander in chief. "There is still a lot of work to do here," he said.

Moments after arriving, just hours after a deadly car bombing, Obama spoke favorably of political progress being made in Iraq but also expressed concern to reporters that recent gains could deteriorate with the upcoming national elections.

"It's important for us to use all of our influence to encourage the parties to resolve these issues in ways that are equitable. I think that my presence here can help do that," he said.

His gleaming white and blue Air Force One touched down not long after a car bomb exploded in a Shiite neighborhood of the capital city, a deadly reminder of the violence that has claimed the lives of at least 4,266 members of the U.S. military and many thousands more Iraqis since March 2003. Even before arrival, aides decided to scrap plans for a helicopter ride to the heavily fortified Green Zone a few miles away - but attributed the decision to poor visibility rather than security concerns.



Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_OBAMA_IRAQ?SITE=INLAF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Mari333]

1. ugh. nt

[acmavm]

2. Afganistan belongs to us now. Might as well finish co-opting the

guilt/blame by making Iraq ours too.

[antimatter98]

3. When will Obama realize there is 'work to do here' on Main Street USA? n/t

[mecherosegarden]

5. But the soldiers there are also important!

Beautiful welcome they gave their Commander in Chief!


:applause: :applause: :applause: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[Historic NY]

4. Wait until you see the photos the troops went nuts cheering & hugging him.