Suprise, its Obama

Over the past week president Obama has been traveling the world, attending economic summits and giving speech to world leaders about the goals that he wishes to pursue during his time in office. During the trip Obama decide to make and unannounced stop in Iraq, on April 7. Obama landed in Baghdad at around 4 Pm and left early the next morning. During the extent of his stay Obama did not leave the military compound that is located right next to the airport. Obama’s visit came at a time when it seemed like there might be a resurgence of violence in Iraq. One of the more noticeable parts of Obama’s visit was that he arrived to applause, cheers and overall good feelings from the Iraqi civilians, which is in stark contrast to the last time a US president visit Iraq, who got a shoe thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist. On his visit Obama reiterated his administration’s plan to withdrawal all US combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. Obama also told the leaders of Iraq that they need quickly start reconciling with and united the different factions within Iraq, in order to help curve the violence and stabilize Iraq before the US troops are removed. Presidents visit also served to give a boost to the morale of the US service men and women who are currently serving in Iraq, quite of few of which have had to deal with many redeployments.