Ruler of Dubai Visits Cap David

On Sunday, President Bush welcomed Dubai's ruler to Camp David. He was returning the favor for the wonderful hospitality he received in the United Arab Emirates this year. Bush met with the Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid- al-Maktoum, at the presidential retreat in rustic Maryland. Both leaders dressed casually and engaged in small talk before driving out of sight on a golf cart.

President Bush, Iraqi President Discuss Troop Deal

Wednesday, Iraq's president and President Bush expressed cautious optimism about prospects for completing a complex agreement that would keep U.S. troops in Iraq after a U.N. mandate expires at year end. The U.S. is working on an agreement that "suits" the Iraqi government according to President Bush. After meeting with Bush, Iraqi's President spoke in the Oval Office and cited recent progress and said he hoped it could be finished "very soon". Iraqi and U.S. authorities are trying to meet a July target date for completing the security agreement. This should be of interest to everyone.

Missile Shield is Urgent

President Bush has said there is a real and urgent need for a missile defense system in Europe. He also said the missile threat was from the Middle East, not Russia, which strongly opposes sites for the shield in Poland and the Czech republic. He warned that Iran could have a ballistic missile capable of reaching Europe or the US by 2015. Earlier, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the shield could be delayed while Russian concerns were tackled.