The Decider flies to Baghdad

If there was ever any question as to the status of the Iraqi government in the eyes of the Bush administration, George W. Bush put it to rest today.

Iraq is a U.S. colony and any Iraqi government is little more than a U.S. client.

U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Iraq on Tuesday, his second visit to the country since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, and was expected to meet U.S. troops and the Iraqi government.

"Good to see you," a beaming Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told Bush shortly after his arrival at a palace used by the U.S. Embassy.

Bush replied as they shook hands, "Thanks for having me."

Sounds cordial enough, if it weren't for one thing. Nuri al-Maliki had no idea Bush was coming and didn't know Bush was in the country until five minute before meeting him.

Bush's visit was also intended to be a visit with the troops. The ones in Baghdad. Anywhere else is too dangerous.

There have been no reports of plastic turkeys in any of the hundreds of mess halls. Just the one walking around on two feet with a Secret Service detail surrounding him.

It does demonstrate that the Bush administration places no trust in the Iraqi regime, even though they virtually picked it. If Iraq had any semblance of independence the trip would require clearance from the Iraqi government before the plane ever left the ground.

As many families are wont to tell relatives who show up unannounced: Maybe it would be best if you at least phoned first.