Biden Makes Surprise Trip to Iraq Amid Political Turmoil

Vice President Joe Biden touched down in Iraq on Thursday for a surprise visit to the country as it faces a deepening political crisis that threatens the fight against ISIS.

This was Biden’s first trip to Iraq since 2011, and the vice president is the third and highest-level U.S. official to head to Baghdad this month. Political chaos stemming from stymied reform efforts pursued by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and pushed for by thousands of protestors marching in the streets has engulfed the government for weeks. Biden’s visit came just after Iraq’s parliament on Tuesday partially approved Abadi’s attempt to reshuffle the Cabinet and install independent technocrats to combat corruption.

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