March 1, 2006
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan - President Bush made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday, flying here secretly to support its fledging government in the face of rising violence from al-Qaida and Taliban militants.
Bush made a detour from a trip to India for a five-hour visit here that was not announced officially until Air Force One landed at this sprawling military base north of Kabul.
The White House wanted to conceal Bush's presence to reduce the risk of any attempt on his life. But word of his visit leaked shortly before he landed.
From Bagram, Bush was to go to the presidential place in Kabul for a meeting Hamid Karzai, the U.S.-backed leader.
The president also was to preside over a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the U.S. Embassy. Before leaving Afghanistan, Bush was to get a pep talk to troops back at Bagram Air Base.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/afghan_bush;_ylt=A9FJqZXfZwVEkHIBSwqs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--Wow what a surprise! Especially, since they announced this visit on Sunday.
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