Country's more powerful man working behind scene in Iraq

James Baker III, advisor to presidents and anointer of same, is on a "fact finding" mission in Iraq.

James Baker, the former U.S. secretary of state who is heading a group looking into U.S. policy in Iraq, met with Iraq's deputy prime minister Friday in Baghdad.

Baker sat down with Salam al-Zubaie to discuss protection of Iraq's borders, national reconciliation, peace chances and international donations, Iraqi authorities said.

Baker, a Republican, co-chairs the bipartisan Iraq Study Group with Lee Hamilton, a former Democratic congressman. They are carrying out an independent analysis of the situation in Iraq.

Several members of Congress urged that such a report be done. A final report will be issued to Congress, the White House and the public.
CNN.com