Biden visits Iraq for talks, show of support

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Thursday to show support for the government as it builds on wins against Islamic State amid the distractions of a political crisis. It is the first visit for Biden, the White House’s point person on Iraq, since […]

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Thursday to show support for the government as it builds on wins against Islamic State amid the distractions of a political crisis.
It is the first visit for Biden, the White House’s point person on Iraq, since U.S. forces withdrew in 2011 following a nine-year occupation. He is the third and highest-level U.S. official to visit Iraq this month.
Islamic State, also known as ISIL, seized large portions of Iraq and neighboring Syria in 2014. Iraqi forces have won back some territory, such as the western city of Ramadi, but often after long battles that have left the areas destroyed.