Going back again and again to the troops is also a constant reminder to Americans of just who is taking the risks in Iraq. I don't think it's playing particularly well.

The speech will give millions of Americans an impression of this president and his administration at a time when the edifice is shaky. And we never know until it is delivered how it is going to go or where it will go.

We know the Americans and the British are too scared to send troops to Sudan after what has happened to them in Afghanistan and in Iraq, but even if they send pure Muslim or Arab troops we will consider them invaders and will fight them.

The Americans know better than anyone that their troops in the region and in Iraq are vulnerable. I would advise them not to commit such a strategic error.

Americans may rally around a president when he sends troops to war but not when he sends them the bill.

I deplore the need or the use of troops anywhere to get American citizens to obey the orders of constituted courts.