I really wanted to know what people thought about Biden's visit to Baghdad.
It turned out that Iraqis who regularly watch the news know the name – But a very large number just do not.
 
 
(Ms) Enas Rami, architect, mother of three, grandmother of two, "It is dis-gusting. All these people who call themselves (Iraqi) politicians – Do they really need a visit from Biden in order to reach an agreement? What is his role? Did he advise them?? Threaten them?? – Or did he need to whip them into order?? Let them (the Americans) deal, now, with the monster they have created".
 
(Mr.) Hadi Hussein, teacher, father of five, ....." Oh, you mean the American vise president. The Americans are plotting to distance the Sadrists (devoted followers of anti-American cleric Muqtada al Sadr) from positions of power in the new government. Biden came all the way here to back Allawi - or an alliance between Allawi and Maliki – and I hate them both. The American occupation plans nothing "for the best interests" of the Iraqi people – only for its own interests. We should not put our faith in their choices".
 
(Ms) Sanaa Saeed, government employee, mother of (now) three, "Who?? Oh, yes. I don't know why he came. And I don't care. They said that we will be able to choose rulers who will take care of us – and instead, the rulers are taking care only of themselves, as usual. So why should I care? What has changed in my life? I will tell you what has changed: I now live in an ugly city filled with fear. I have less electricity – less water – less brothers and cousins and one less son. This is what this man (Biden) and his country have brought me".
 
(Mr.) Abdullah Hazim, government employee, father of one,  "If he (Biden) is able to make Allawi and Maliki come to an agreement – then perhaps his visit is not wasted. For me Allawi and Maliki complement each other and each will stand firm that the other will not become a dictator. I hate it that America is interfering – but it was they who started it, and maybe it is just as well that their deadline for withdrawal is coming up, and this is pushing them into action to get some results".
 
(Mr.) Usama Muhammed, accountant, father of three,  "Ah, yes – Biden. He who wanted to divide Iraq into three states. And where is Ahmedinejad (Iranian president) – or maybe his long arm, Qassim Suleimani (Iranian intelligence officer most "involved" in "Iraq affairs")? Isn't he coming here too? No – Suleimani doesn't need to come himself – the Iraqi government is doing his work for him. What a shame - Iraq is no longer in Iraqi hands". 
 
(Mr.) Abbas Nouri, shop owner, father of six and  grandfather of sixteen,  "Who? OH – The American vise president! Well, it is a good thing that he came; at least they (the Americans) have not totally forgotten us after destroying us. Maybe he carries with him, in his briefcase, the next Iraqi government".