Baghdad - US President Barack Obama warned of difficult times ahead for Iraq on Tuesday, during a surprise visit at the end of his eight-day European tour to reassure US troops and meet Iraqi leaders.
The coming 18 months could be critical, said Obama, speaking to US troops at the Camp Victory US military base at Baghdad airport, where he was greeted enthusiastically by several hundred soldiers.
During four hours on the ground, he also met General Ray Odierno, commander of coalition troops in Iraq, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, before departing for Washington.
US troops are due to begin withdrawing from Iraq in 2010, as Iraqi troops take over responsibility for security. All US troops are to leave by 2011, Obama noted.
However, violence has picked up in recent weeks. Coinciding with Obama's visit on Tuesday, a bombing and a suicide attack killed nine people in Baghdad and Falluja. On Monday, seven bombs - six in Baghdad and one in Mosul - killed at least 42 people.
'Our role is to train Iraqis to take control of their own country so we can start bringing our folks home,' Obama said, to rousing cheers from the US troops.
Obama and Odierno discussed the integration of Sunnis into the security forces, according to White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. Obama also underscored that even though his recent focus has been on Afghanistan and Pakistan, there was still 'lots of work' to be done in Iraq.
Obama described Iraq as 'a growing democracy' and noted 'a greater willingness on the part of all the factions in Iraq to resolve their issues politically and through non-violent means.'
But he warned that 'with the national elections coming up, many of the unresolved issues may be brought to a head.'
Speaking to soldiers, Obama praised their contribution and assured support beyond the end of the conflict.
'As long as I'm in the White House, you are going to get the support that you need,' Obama added.
Talabani and al-Maliki came to meet Obama at Odierno's home after poor weather forced cancellation of plans for Obama to travel to meet them.
After the meetings, Obama noted the recent bombings but added that overall violence 'continues to be down.' He reassured al-Maliki that the US was committed to an 'orderly, responsible transition' to Iraqi security forces.
'We should not be distracted, because we have made enormous progress working alongside the Iraqi government over the last few months,' Obama said, urging Iraqis to take political steps to resolve factional differences.
Al-Maliki, speaking through a translator, said he assured Obama that progress in the security area would continue. The country looks forward to 'international companies and to other countries to participate in investing in the country,' he said.
Osama al-Najafi, a Sunni member of parliament with the Iraqi National List, welcomed Obama's visit, telling the German news agency
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