Iraqi lawmakers criticize Trump's surprise visit as 'violation' of diplomatic norms

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Some Iraqi lawmakers are criticizing President Trump's surprise visit to Al Asad Air Base on Wednesday as a "violation" of diplomatic norms and Iraq's sovereignty, according to Reuters.

Trump's visit to the base, which is west of Baghdad, was his first visit to troops in a combat zone as president.

Some Iraqi politicians said they perceived the presidential visit as an act of aggression.

The leader of the Islah parliamentary bloc, Sabah al Saadi, called for the parliament to meet "to discuss this blatant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and to stop these aggressive actions by Trump, who should know his limits," Reuters reported.

"The U.S. occupation of Iraq is over," al Saadi reportedly added.

Islah's rival in Parliament, the Bina bloc, called Trump's visit a "flagrant and clear violation of diplomatic norms."

"Trump’s visit … shows his disdain and hostility in his dealings with the Iraqi government,” the Bina bloc said in a statement quoted by Reuters.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/422933-iraqi-lawmakers-criticize-trumps-surprise-visit-as-violation-of-diplomatic

Bumbling clueless one.

[underpants]

1. LMAO. He actually f'ed THAT up

Not that I think this will get much airplay but still.

[Just a Weirdo]

2. No shit, Sherlock it's a violation of diplomatic norms.

Now do your part, and kick the US troops out of Iraq, thanks to Trump's idiocy.

[former9thward]

5. Did they complain when Bush and Obama did the exact same thing?

I wish they had and kicked the troops out then. Too late now.

[Blue_true]

6. Neither President had any hostility toward Muslims.

Troop makes that his central platform, if the Muslims are not rich or can't bride him. Your comparison is apples to oranges.

[bluecollar2]

7. I'm pretty sure both Bush and Obama

At least had enough on the ball to notify the appropriate Iraqui leadership of their plans...

Looks like trump decided to show up without telling anyone...

[Mr. Quackers]

14. Trump is like Cousin Eddie

minus the charm and likeability

[former9thward]

15. No they didn't.

Secret Service does not allow that. They trust those governments as far as they can throw them. With good reason.

[bluecollar2]

18. Ok...n/t

[xor]

12. I was wondering the same and I couldn't find anything.

So, I wonder if maybe they cleared it with Iraqi government before, but Trump did not, or if they simply don't like Trump. I would also say that for the first few years after we occupied them, the situation was probably a bit different for Bush. Did Obama visit after the combat troops were mostly pulled out of Iraq?

[Tanuki]

13. They did not do "the exact same thing." They always coordinated with and met with

Iraqi officials, up to and in some instances including the Prime Minister.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-is-third-american-president-to-visit-iraq/2018/12/27/f6f58e28-0995-11e9-8942-0ef442e59094_story.html?utm_term=.7755bdb22ade

"In November 2003, Bush.....also met with members of the Coalition Provisional Authority and the Iraqi Governing Council.
......
Bush made three more trips to Iraq while in office.

In June 2006, he met with then-Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and visited with troops. In September 2007, he flew to Al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad, where he met with top U.S. defense officials and Iraqi political leaders. On his last presidential visit in December 2008, Bush had to duck shoes that an Iraqi journalist hurled at him during a news conference in Baghdad.
....
President Barack Obama visited Iraq in April 2009, the first year of his eight years in office. Obama told U.S. troops and Iraqi officials that it was time to phase out America’s combat role in the conflict. He said the U.S. strongly supported steps to unite political factions in Iraq, including integrating minority Sunnis into the government and security forces. Iraqis “need to take responsibility for their own country,” Obama told hundreds of cheering soldiers gathered in an ornate, marble palace near Saddam Hussein’s former seat of power."....(more)

[former9thward]

16. First, how do you know what Trump did or did not do.

I doubt you are part of a White House advance team. Second the OP is a complaint from a splinter group in the Iraqi legislature. It is not from the Iraqi government at all. Do you really think Bush and Obama informed every last member of the Iraqi legislature?

[UniteFightBack]

3. Listen...he violates everything everywhere he goes...so that about covers that. nt

[Zoonart]

4. Someone hasn't been paying attention.

I'm looking at you Bina block. Duh.

[George II]

8. He does EVERYTHING wrong! That is, except for declaring bankruptcy and grabbing pussies.

[Bucky]

9. Yeah, Iraqi lawmaker, that's the one norm he's violated

[Xipe Totec]

10. The Phi Kappa Presidency. nt

Pronounced "Fuck Up A Presidency".

[smirkymonkey]

11. Well done, President Dipshit!

[malaise]

17. Correct

but diplomacy and protocol no longer exist with this buffoon at the helm.