Biden Makes Unannounced Trip to Iraq

By Scott Wilson
BAGHDAD -- Vice President Biden arrived in Baghdad Tuesday afternoon for a previously unannounced visit.

As he emerged from his C-17 aircraft into a hot dusk about 4:50 p.m. local time, the vice president was greeted by Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq; U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill; and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. Biden's national security adviser, Tony Blinken, and deputy secretary of State Jim Steinberg followed him through the welcome line.

Biden left Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland at 7:15 p.m. Monday, changed planes at Mildenhall Royal Air Force Base in England and touched down at Baghdad International Airport at 4:20 p.m.

After riding military helicopters into the U.S.-controlled Green Zone, Biden and the U.S. officials went into the ambassador's residence for a meeting. While in Iraq, Biden will also meet with Iraqi officials and U.S. soldiers.