In visit to Iraq, Cheney touts ‘phenomenal changes’

Vice President Cheney during a surprise visit to Iraq on Monday said he has observed “phenomenal changes” in the war-torn country compared to his last visit 10 months ago.

{mosads}He touted progress “both with respect to the security situation, where Iraqi and American forces have done some very good work, as well as with respect to political developments here in Iraq.”

Cheney visited the country ahead of the five-year anniversary of the war. He met with U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq.

The vice president, in a joint appearance with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, sought to counter claims that the troop surge has not achieved its objective of giving Iraqi leaders the chance to work on political compromises to bring their country forward.

“They’ve worked on landmark legislation that will be vital, in terms of shaping the future for Iraq,” Cheney said. He added that “no question, there has been dramatic improvement in the security situation.”

Al-Maliki also said that there is “a great deal of progress” in his country.