The top U.S. commander for the
Middle East slipped quietly into
Iraq Tuesday, as the Trump administration works to salvage relations with Iraqi leaders and shut down the government's push for an
American troop withdrawal.
Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie became the most senior U.S. military official to visit since an American drone strike in Baghdad last month killed a top Iranian general, enraging the Iraqis.
McKenzie met with Iraq leaders in Baghdad and then went to see American troops at al-Asad Air base, which was bombed by
Iran last month in retaliation for the drone attack.