Obama makes surprise visit to Iraq

US President Barack Obama met Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to discuss security in the country in a surprise visit to the country today.

Obama has vowed to end the war in Iraq as President.

Al-Maliki said after their meeting that he had “assured the president that all the progress that has been made in the security area will continue”.

Obama said he had “strongly encouraged” the Iraqi leader to take steps to unite political factions, including integrating Sunnis into the government and security forces.

Obama flew unannounced into Iraq today and promptly declared it was time for Iraqis to “take responsibility for their country” after America’s commitment of six years and thousands of lives.