Washington Post: Biden makes unannounced trip to Iraq, his first since 2011
BAGHDAD — Vice President Biden arrived here Thursday at a moment of intense political turmoil for Iraq and its prime minister, who is fighting to hold onto his office amid a paralyzing political crisis, a weakened economy, and a grinding war against the Islamic State.
Biden’s trip, kept secret prior to his arrival, is his first to the country since late 2011, when he came to Baghdad to mark the withdrawal of the last American troops from the country. He arrived around midday aboard a military cargo plane and was slated for a full day of meetings with Iraqi leaders.
Senior White House officials have touted the recent success of Iraqi forces, backed by U.S. airpower and advisers, in driving the Islamic State from territory that the group seized last summer.
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MIDDLE EAST
On surprise Iraq visit, Biden urging end to political crisis.
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Syria's army denies its warplanes targeted Aleppo hospital: state TV.
Syria conflict: Aleppo in 'catastrophic' state says UN.
UN envoy appeals to US, Russia to help Syria peace talks.
Damascus concerned at reports of U.S. troops arrival.
Turkish military kills 11 Islamic State militants in northern Syria: sources.
Suicide bomber targets police chief of Yemen's Aden.
Jordan changes constitution to give King more power.
ASIA
North Korea rushes to re-test intermediate missile, fails again: South Korea. U.S. says it detected two attempted North Korean missile launches.
Afghan Taliban say team in Pakistan not for peace talks.
Abu Sayyaf militants who beheaded Canadian plotted to kidnap Manny Pacquiao, Philippine president says.
Philippines wants coordinated patrols to protect ships from rebels.
Seoul: N. Korea erects mock-up of Seoul presidential palace.
Kyrgyzstan's new government takes oath of office.
China adopts law regulating overseas NGOs. China prompts criticism with tough curbs on foreign NGOs.
AFRICA
UN Libya blacklist leaves Indian oil tanker in limbo.
South Sudan war: US warns it could sanction leaders.
Sudanese police fire tear gas at protests over student's killing.
U.N. council removes 12-year-old arms embargo on Ivory Coast.
Nigeria's Buhari orders crackdown on Fulani cattle raiders.
UK joins IMF and World Bank to cut Mozambique aid.
Mozambique boosts security in Maputo due to demonstration fears.
EUROPE
Ukraine separatists say five killed on front line.
Russia lets sister of jailed pilot Savchenko return to Ukraine: Poroshenko.
Migrant crisis: UN's Ban Ki-moon condemns EU migrant curbs.
German nuclear plant hit by computer viruses.
Tear gas, clashes, vehicles set on fire: Anti-labor reform protests rock France.
German foreign minister criticizes Trump's 'America first' foreign policy.
Obama fails to swing Britain behind EU as 'Out' takes poll lead.
AMERICAS
US Election 2016: Bernie Sanders begins campaign lay-offs.
Donald Trump slams Ted Cruz for naming Carly Fiorina as running mate.
US economic growth slows to 0.5% in first quarter of 2016.
IMF: Latin America economy weighed down by Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina.
Olympic torch handed over to Brazilians.
Sibling rivalry threatens Fujimori's bid ahead of Peru vote.
Venezuela’s woes are mounting as it turns the lights off.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Isis has been financially weakened, claim UK and US military figures.
Italy arrests Islamic State suspects, uncovers attack plot.
Paris terror suspect is ‘a little jerk,’ his lawyer says.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil hits 2016 peaks again as weak dollar trumps global glut.
This CEO's $148 million in pay may rank him No. 1 for 2015.
Radisson hotel chain is latest U.S. giant to be snapped up by Chinese.
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