Bush's Surprise Trip to Baghdad

President Bush made a Thanksgiving Day visit to Baghdad yesterday, taking troops and most of the American media by complete surprise.

News of the trip was kept so secret that reporters outside his Texas ranch were telling viewers and listeners that he was about to sit down inside with his family for the traditional meal when he was already talking to troops in Iraq.

Only a few members of the administration and a few selected reporters knew of the president's trip, aimed at boosting morale among US forces.

Listeners to morning radio shows heard the cheery news that the traditional pecan pie the president would be eating at his ranch was made with nuts from his own property.

But an hour later, it transpired that the homely details were a convincing smokescreen so that the president could carry out a clandestine visit to meet the US administrator, Paul Bremer, his staff, selected troops and four members of Iraq's governing council, including the Pentagon-backed member, Ahmad Chalabi.

Journalists invited to cover the trip were from the major wire services, the Washington Post and Fox News, the conservative television service.

Mr Bremer told a gathering of 600 American troops from the 1st Armoured Division at the mess hall at Baghdad international airport that he had a message for them from the president. Then, in the best show business tradition of introducing the surprise guest star, Mr Bremer said that perhaps someone "more senior" should read it. Mr Bush emerged from behind a curtain to the applause and incredulity of the soldiers. He told the troops that he was proud to be their commander-in-chief and restated his commitment to rebuild Iraq, before serving turkey, sweet potatoes and corn to soldiers. After 2hr 32min, Mr Bush flew back to the US.

The US high command in Iraq had been told of the visit three days earlier and Mrs Bush supposedly was only informed on Tuesday night. It was the first visit by a serving US president to Iraq.

It came as Democratic party presidential candidates have stepped up attacks on Mr Bush's handling of postwar Iraq.