April 7 – Baghdad
Pool report 4
Air Force One landed at Baghdad Intl Airport at 4:42. Near the end of the flight, Gibbs gaggled. He said the choice of Iraq rather than Afghanistan was made for three reasons — proximity to Turkey, the need to consult with Iraqi officials because efforts at progress there “lie in political solutions,” and it’s mostly about U.S. troops — equally deserving of Obama’s attention and appreciation no matter where they serve. “Our men and women who are in harm’s way, either in Iraq or Afghanistan, deserve our utmost respect and appreciation,” Gibbs said. Please check transcript. They had planned to helo to Maliki and Talibani but visibility issues blocked. He will meet with Gen. Odierno at Camp Victory (motorcade there); meet with troops there and participate in awarding of 10 medals of valor; call Talibani and Maliki; and depart. “He will speak with PM Maliki and P Talibani by phone because commanders on the ground determined weather prevents helicopter trave,” he said.
UPDATE: Change of plans. Obama will meet with Maliki. The Iraqi PM is on his way.