President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet members of the military as they arrive for a hanger rally at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Wednesday. In a surprise trip to Iraq, President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended his decision to withdraw US forces from Syria where they have been helping battle Islamic State militants. (AP photo)BAGHDAD: Iraqi lawmakers Thursday demanded US forces leave the country in the wake of a surprise visit by President Donald Trump that politicians denounced as arrogant and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Trump, making his first presidential visit to troops in a troubled region Wednesday, said he has no plans to withdraw the 5,200 US forces in the country. Trump spent three hours at a US air base meeting with American troops during his visit.

Source: Bangkok Post December 27, 2018 12:56 UTC