CRAWFORD, Nov 28: President George Bush’s two-and-a-half-hour visit to Baghdad on Thursday was one of the most secretive missions ever by a US leader.

Following is a timeline of the trip, compiled from the report of the pool journalist aboard Air Force One and from White House briefings in Crawford.

Wednesday (Nov 26):

Around 7pm Texas time (6am PST on Thursday), the president leaves his Prairie Chapel ranch under cover of darkness, concealed behind the tinted windows of an unmarked car.

7.27pm: The presidential jet leaves Waco, Texas, for Washington.

10.31pm: Mr Bush arrives in Washington, changes planes.

11.06pm: Takeoff for Baghdad.

By 11.19pm, Mr Bush is asleep.

Thursday (Nov 27):

5.32pm Baghdad time (7.32pm PST): Air Force One jet lands in Iraq.

Shortly thereafter, he addresses US troops and gets a warm reception from those gathered for a Thanksgiving feast inside the Bob Hope dining facility.

6:58pm: Mr Bush leaves the facility to meet members of the Iraqi Governing Council.

8.03pm: Mr Bush leaves Iraq.

Friday (Nov 28):

4am Texas time (3pm PST): Air Force One lands in Waco, Texas, and the president returns to his nearby Prairie Chapel ranch.—AFP