Vice President Joe Biden is in Baghdad. The surprise visit comes as the U.S. military finishes pulling out of Iraq, the Associated Press reports.

Biden’s trip is designed to solidify ties between Iraq and the United States. But already protests in Iraq against his visit are demonstrating the difficulties the relationship will face. Biden is expected to meet with Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He is also to take part in a ceremony commemorating the sacrifices of U.S. and Iraqi troops during the eight-year war.

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