Pompeo scraps Merkel talks in Germany, takes secret trip to Iraq

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo canceled a visit to Berlin on Tuesday at short notice,… citing (quote) "pressing issues" that forced him to pull out of talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel. <br />Those "pressing issues" were revealed later.<br />The State Department later saying Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Baghdad for talks with Iraq's leaders, including the prime minister. <br />Pompeo reportedly told them he stood by their fight for freedom and democracy.<br />Watchers say his trip could be due to Washington's rising tensions with Iran and reassure the Iraqis of America's commitment to the country. <br />