Bush assures Iraq of support on surprise visit

President’s trip kept secret, aimed at bolstering new Baghdad government


• Bush thanks U.S. troops abroad
June 13: During a surprise visit to Iraq, President Bush praised U.S. troops for their “hard work,” adding the battle in Iraq is laying the foundation for peace. Click to watch his entire speech.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - President Bush assured Iraqis in a surprise visit to Baghdad on Tuesday that the United States stands with them and their new government. “It’s in our interest that Iraq succeed,” he said, seated alongside newly named Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

But he also emphasized, both in his meeting with al-Maliki and in an address to U.S. troops, that the wartorn country’s future is in the hands of the new Iraqi unity government.

“And our job is to help them succeed and we will,” Bush told American forces as he wrapped up his unannounced visit.