Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw paid a surprise visit to northern Iraq today, the Foreign Office confirmed.
A spokesman said he would be having talks with Kurdish leaders and would be in the region "for a few days".
But the Foreign Office would reveal nothing else of Mr Straw's plans citing security reasons.
The Kurdish region of Iraq has traditionally enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and its leaders have been among the most consistent supporters of the coalition.
Its people suffered brutality at the hands of Saddam Hussein's regime with the dictator infamously using chemical weapons against them at Halabjah.
Mr Straw's visit comes at a time of mounting bloodshed in Iraq in the run-up to elections scheduled for January.
He would be a prime assassination target for insurgents.
Mr Straw is visiting Kirkuk and Irbil, the Foreign Office said later.
Aides said it was a "long-planned" visit to discuss a wide range of issues, focusing on the reconstruction effort and plans for elections in January.
It is Mr Straw's third visit to Iraq and his first to the north of the country. His previous visits, in July and October last year, took in Baghdad and Basra.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments