The “What, me worry?” president paid a cheerful visit to U.S. troops in Iraq’s Anbar province, an auspiciously timed trip (his third since the war began in 2003) that falls mere days before Congress is scheduled to hear Army Gen. David Petraeus’ Iraq “progress” report. For another status report (read: reality check), follow this link.

Washington Post:

Aides said Bush would prod Maliki and other Shiite national leaders to support the local Sunni leaders, whom the White House has praised for fostering political reconciliation that has proved more difficult in mixed-sect regions such as Baghdad and Diyala province, where Sunni insurgents have also begun to work with the Americans.

Later, Bush was to make short remarks to about 750 U.S. troops and other guests. “The president felt this is something he had to do in order to put himself in a position to make some important decisions,” National Security Adviser Stephen J. Hadley said of the visit.

Read more

Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig
In this Article:
#anbar#nouri al-maliki#sunni