Does the President actually think that a surprise visit to Iraq will change anything?

You hit the nail on the head. It is simply another photo op. But it's not going to get people to reconsider their positions. It only insults my intelligence and I think most Americans feel the same as I do.

This is all very interesting...HOWEVER. I got a different perspective from an Iranian girl I spoke to recently. I have never hated the Iranian people. I would LOVE to visit Iran, but not while Ahmedinejad and those who control him are in charge. I would LOVE to learn Persian, which I will...as soon as I've got my French, Italian, Spanish, German, Polish, Hindi, and Japanese down. I'm working on the first four right now. I'll get to the other three next. I DON'T think the Iranian people are bad, and I'm SURE Iran is a beautiful country. Anyway, so that's background on me. The girl that I spoke to told me about how many websites Iranians are blocked from. She told me that oh yes, they have satellites, but the channels that come in are censored. She told me that yes, females are required to wear a burka at all times...but the youth are rebelling against it. She told me that if Ahmadinejad and those who control him had ANY idea of the way she or her friends thought, they would all be executed. Yeah, sounds like a free country to me. I know that the Persian/Iranian people don't hate us any more than most of us hate them (which is not at all). I don't need an essay to tell me that. But all I know is what I've been told, and from what I've been told...Iran isn't the paradise that your essay made it out to be.

His visit is to the Anbar Province.

The Anbar Province was once thought to be so violent that it was not possible to restore order to that province.

The American soldiers that President Bush is visiting have turned the Anbar Province into one of the safest places in Iraq.

The soldiers who did that have made quite an accomplishment and I think that it is entirely appropriate for The President of the United States to recognize that accomplishment.

(Edit) To Barbie. I have reported your wish (that the President be shot) as abuse and I see Portland has done so as well and I suspect that a few more will report you as well. You will be hearing from the abuse people at Yahoo Answers.

Your wish for violence on anyone is highly improper. Sadly sometimes irresponsible people read ridiculous, irresponsible posts like yours and do what you say you wish they would do.

That is why your post is improper. It can result in some nut taking action even though I am certain that you only meant it as a joke.

I think it's intended to boost the morale of US troops there. As to whether the troops' morale were boosted or not, only they know.

But you're right, his presence or absence in Iraq hardly makes a difference. But you must admit that it's good material for the news. At best his visit there is propaganda.

Yes, it has already changed in the fact that you left wing wackos have already jumped on the photo op bandwagon... unbelievable! Also, the moron who posted that he wished that Bush would be shot has been reported...I reported him!

I really like all you arm chair quarterbacks who HAVE NO IDEA what's going on over there...It is a sad day when people in the United States hate their president more than our enemy.

You know I was not a big fan of President Clinton, and I was happy to see his departure. BUT I WOULD NEVER WISH THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOT!!! God help us!

No, he actually doesn't think. That is part of the problem.

you bet ye, he is on a roll.

I hope he gets shot in 'friendly fire' maybe then people would understand why the war is wrong!