Obama in Iraq to meet U.S. troops, speak to leaders

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in his strategy to wind down the unpopular war in Iraq and shift the United States' military focus to Afghanistan.

The White House said that Obama would meet U.S. commanders and troops. He would also speak to Iraqi leaders, but would call by telephone rather than see them in person because poor visibility prevented helicopter travel around the capital, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.