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Cheney Makes Surprise Visit to Baghdad

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

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 17, 2008 6:45 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Leading Iraq war architect Dick Cheney made an unannounced visit to Baghdad today, beginning a nine-day Middle East tour by promising Iraq the "unwavering commitment of the United States in finishing the difficult work that lies ahead." John McCain, traveling as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, simultaneously met with other Iraqi leaders in the capital, AFP reports.

Cheney's visit, in which he met with Iraq's president and prime minister and held talks with army chief David Petraeus and US ambassador Ryan Crocker, came as two explosions ripped through the capital, one of them targeting the Green Zone. The VP is expected to pressure the Iraqi government to pass laws expanding regional governments' power and distributing revenues from oil. Cheney will travel next to Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Turkey.

Dick Cheney, center, arrives at Baghdad airport Monday, March 17, 2008. Cheney landed at Baghdad International Airport, then flew by helicopter into the heavily secured Green Zone for talks with Iraqi leaders and U.S. military and diplomatic officials.
Dick Cheney, center, arrives at Baghdad airport Monday, March 17, 2008. Cheney landed at Baghdad International Airport, then flew by helicopter into the heavily secured Green Zone for talks with Iraqi...   (AP Photo/ Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force, HO)
Dick Cheney, left, and David Petraeus talk at Baghdad airport Monday, March 17, 2008. Cheney landed at Baghdad International Airport, then flew by helicopter into the heavily secured Green Zone for talks with Iraqi leaders and U.S. military and diplomatic officials.
Dick Cheney, left, and David Petraeus talk at Baghdad airport Monday, March 17, 2008. Cheney landed at Baghdad International Airport, then flew by helicopter into the heavily secured Green Zone for talks...   (AP Photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen,US Air Force, HO)
Saudi King Abdullah, right, walks with Vice President Dick Cheney at Fahd ibn Sultan Palace in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia in this May 12, 2007 file photo.
Saudi King Abdullah, right, walks with Vice President Dick Cheney at Fahd ibn Sultan Palace in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia in this May 12, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
John McCain, left, listens to Iraq's Lt. Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, center, commander of the Ninevah Operations Command, and U.S. Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, right, commander of Multi-National Division-North, during a briefing in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, March 16, 2008.
John McCain, left, listens to Iraq's Lt. Gen. Riyadh Jalal Tawfiq, center, commander of the Ninevah Operations Command, and U.S. Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, right, commander of Multi-National Division-North,...   (AP Photo/Sgt. Patrick Lair, U.S. Army, HO)
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Iran remains top priority for Cheney's tour
Associated Press

Saudi Arabia and the oil angle
Bloomberg

 
Iraq • John McCain • Dick Cheney • Middle East • Baghdad • Green Zone • Nouri al-Maliki • David Petraeus • Ryan Crocker • Jalal Talabani • Iraq war

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