October 20, 2009
Posted: October 20th, 2009 03:06 PM ET
President Barack Obama said U.S.-Iraqi ties are entering a new period.
President Barack Obama said U.S.-Iraqi ties are entering a new period.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama said U.S.-Iraqi ties are entering a new period, a change marked by a decreased emphasis on security and an increased focus on the economy.

Appearing before reporters Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki - in Washington to attend the two-day Iraq Investment and Business Conference and meet with American officials - Obama said the men discussed a wide-range of issues and didn't fixate on security or the military.

"What is wonderful about this trip is that it represents a transition in our bilateral relationship, so that we are moving now to issues beyond security and we are beginning to talk about economy, trade, commerce," the president said.

Obama cited Iraq's "continuing progress," strides on investment and "a commitment to democratic politics." He also cited the election legislation delayed in Iraq's parliament because of disagreement on several issues. The scheduled January 16 parliamentary elections might not be held if legislation isn't passed soon.

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Filed under: Iraq • President Obama


phoenix86   October 20th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Obama is like that statue of "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil".

In geo-politics, it's called weakness.

Milo in Atlanta   October 20th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

When will CNN's ties with Lou Dobbs enter a new phase – as in over?

WordsMatter   October 20th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

The Liar in Chief''s administration is circling the drain.

Patrick   October 20th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Iraq is well on its way to becoming a stable, free, and peaceful ally in the Middle East and 10 years from now we'll be remembering Bush's decison to remove Sadaam Hussein as a great decision.

keeping Iraq 'progress' in the news does not amount to progress   October 20th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

telling us that there is progress with out anything to show us that there is progress is not progress, it is hot air

ADH   October 20th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

No poll, taken, I still vote for Obama!!

Hugo   October 20th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Prediction:

It will revert right back into a Civil war backed by Iranian infiltrators supporting the Shiite militias.

Wish:

We could have a do over vote from 2008!

Mike from Florida   October 20th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

What about Universal Health Care in Iraq? Since we have such influence around the world, maybe its time we use Iraq as our experiment into Public Option Health Care.

Roger   October 20th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

U.S.-Iraqi bilateral ties -------- ??

Yes ------- We need Iraq Oil. That is why Bush Attacked Iraq.

No Oil, No Bilateral Ties.

We are Greedy for Oil --------- Oil, Oil and only Oil.

sherry   October 20th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

Wow what a concept.....Trade and commerce.
Much different from Bush's ...lets go in there and kill em'.

RNC = DNC = politics as usual   October 20th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

"decreased emphasis on security" – I don't think the folks planting the road bombs got that memo.

Any word on the 1000's of troops the US is leaving there at Obama's request?

JJ in NY   October 20th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

Another big victory for the Bush administration !

obummer, 1 and done   October 20th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Wow!
I guess GWB was right.
Wonder how the dimocrats will spin this as a obummer win.
I guess the bad things are Bush's fault and the good things belong to obummer.

Typical. if the republicans are the Party of No,
I guess it's fact that the dimocrats are the Blame Party. It's everyone else's fault, unless of course, you like the outcome.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   October 20th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

Yeah Nuri, let's broker some oil dealsince we're rebuilding your country.

walleye   October 20th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

What ever happened to all the oil they were going to produce and pay us back with?

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