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Biden Has Tricky Balancing Act on Iraq Visit

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 2, 2009 6:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – High-level officials of Joe Biden's caliber usually stay in places like Iraq for a few hours, max. Biden, however, is now gearing up for the second day of his surprise visit. No wonder: In his new role as a sort of unofficial envoy to the nation, Biden has no small task as he tries to prod Iraqi officials to resolve internal fights over how to share power and oil revenues, the New York Times reports.

The secret trip, just days after US troops pulled out of Iraqi cities, is evidence of just how nervous the White House is about the prospects of a smooth transition. The vice president said he's there to ask in person, “What is their plan to resolve the real differences that exist?” To complicate matters, he arrives amid changing US-Iraqi relations. President Obama has taken a frostier tone toward PM Nouri al-Maliki than George Bush, who conducted regular video conference calls with him.

Vice President Joe Biden in a June 23 file photo.
Vice President Joe Biden in a June 23 file photo.   (AP Photo/Madalyn Ruggiero)
Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Willard & Kelsey Solar Group in Perrysburg, Ohio, Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Willard & Kelsey Solar Group in Perrysburg, Ohio, Tuesday, June 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Madalyn Ruggiero)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
riffran
Jul 3, 2009 6:44 AM CDT
thats quite a pearl of wisdom, there forreal.......You are Damn right
FORREAL
Jul 3, 2009 4:59 AM CDT
I don't care who is control.. If you think you really know whats going on in our governmet you are the idiot they want you to be. We better start talking instead of slamming each other. That will unite the US not the government. Thought we were the government last time I checked. A lot of people died for that too.
riffran
Jul 3, 2009 3:48 AM CDT
open mouth insert foot Biden......as usual

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