McCain Makes Surprise Visit to Baghdad

He begins Mideast tour to shore up foreign policy image

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 16, 2008 7:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain made a surprise visit to Baghdad this morning, where he will meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Gen. David Petraeus, and US troops. Details were sketchy for security reasons. McCain, who has linked his political hopes to success in Iraq, has begun a tour of the Mideast and Europe to position himself for the general election as a world leader, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The visit to Iraq is McCain's eighth during the current war. "McCain has a fabulous opportunity to reintroduce himself while the Democrats are in this vicious knife fight," a GOP strategist said. McCain hopes to shift the focus of the election toward foreign policy and military expertise.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks during a news conference, Thursday, March 13, 2008, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., talks to reporters after speaking at a town hall meeting in Springfield, Pa., Friday, March 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, smiles while talking to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. in the Capitol Rotunda on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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McCain Makes Surprise Visit to Baghdad

He begins Mideast tour to shore up foreign policy image

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He begins Mideast tour to shore up foreign policy image

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Israel • John McCain • Jordan • Baghdad • Nouri al-Maliki • France • David Petraeus • England • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cheney Makes Surprise Visit to Baghdad

Promises 'unwavering commitment' of US as war begins 6th year

Iraq Pullout Would Spur Genocide: Mac

He's off to sell world view on international tour

Bush Drops In on Iraq

Prez makes surprise trip to Baghdad, will meet with Maliki, generals

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

Gates Arrives in Iraq in Wake of Bombings

US officials say spate of violence won't affect withdrawal plan

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