Several political leaders welcomed his visit, expressing hope that more robust American diplomacy could resolve Iraq’s political paralysis.
“This visit is welcome at a time when politicians cannot find a solution themselves,” said Wael Abdul Latif, a newly elected member of Parliament from one of the two main Shiite blocs, the Iraqi National Alliance. “We have to take advantage of foreign help to find our solution, as we have since 2003 until now.”
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The vice president was upbeat upon arrival, downplaying concerns that the impasse would lead to a crisis.
“This is local politics,” Biden told reporters in brief remarks at the sprawling U.S. military base west of Baghdad known as Camp Victory. “This is not a lot different than any other government.”
He added: “I remain, as I have from the beginning, extremely optimistic about the government being formed here.”
Iraqi officials appeared cool to the prospect of Biden muscling in on their political scene.
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