Biden to host Iraqi leader as Mideast tensions soar, raising more questions about US troop presence
President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq's leader this week for talks that come as tensions across the Middle East have soared over the war in Gaza and Iran's attack on Israel in retaliation for an Israeli military strike against an Iranian facility in Syria
By MATTHEW LEE and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
Published - Apr 15, 2024, 12:30 AM ET
Last Updated - Apr 15, 2024, 12:30 AM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to host Iraq’s leader this week for talks that come as tensions across the Middle East have soared over the war in Gaza and Iran's unprecedented weekend attack on Israel in retaliation for an Israeli military strike against an Iranian facility in Syria.
In addition, Iranian proxies have initiated attacks against U.S. interests throughout the region from inside Iraq, making Monday's meeting between Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani all the more critical. The talks will include a discussion of regional stability and future U.S. troop deployments but will also focus on economic, trade and energy issues that have become a major priority for Iraq’s government, according to U.S. officials.
