"US domestic matters reflect on foreign policy"

Considering the US President’s visit to Baghdad, one should remember the American domestic challenges and the deadlines coming quickly for Barack Obama, says Walid Phares of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday.

Flying to Baghdad at the end of a European trip, the US President met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to discuss security.

Obama also told American troops they "had helped Iraq to stand on its own", but added there was still a lot to be done.