President Bush assured Iraqis in a surprise visit to Baghdad on Tuesday that the United States stands with them and their new government. "It's in our interest that Iraq succeed," he said, seated alongside newly named Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The dramatic trip came as Mr. Bush sought to bolster support for Iraq's fledgling government and U.S. war policy at home.

"I've come to not only look you in the eye. I've also come to tell you that when America gives its word, it keeps its word," Mr. Bush told al-Maliki.

Later, Mr. Bush told a group of cheering American troops that the war in Iraq "will go down in history books as an incredibly important moment" for freedom, democracy and America's safety.

"I've come today to personally show our nation's commitment to a free Iraq," he said. "My message to the Iraqi people is this: seize the moment, seize the opportunity to develop a government of and by and for the people."

"I come away from here believing that the will is strong," he added.

After his talk to the U.S. troops, Mr. Bush flew by helicopter back to Air Force One under the cover of darkness for the flight back to Washington.
Mr. Bush traveled to Baghdad less than a week after a U.S. air strike killed terror chief Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. It was his second unannounced visit since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

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