President George Bush will give Americans an update on his plans for the war on terrorism today as divisions at home and abroad, and violence in the Middle East cast doubt on US efforts to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer called Mr Bush's address to the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington a "war update." The president also is expected to discuss efforts by Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell to broker a cease-fire in the Middle East.
"The president has always said that in order to successfully prosecute the war against terrorism, it's vital to have the support of the American people," Mr Fleischer said.
"And to have the support of the American people, the president will continue from time to time, as he sees fit, to reach out and discuss with the country (the) latest developments in his thoughts about where we need to go and why we need to go there," he added.
In a likely preview of his remarks, Mr Bush yesterday touted US military successes in Afghanistan, chief among them the capture of key al Qaeda guerrilla leader Mr Abu Zubaydah.
US Defense Secretary Mr Donald Rumsfeld said last week that Mr Zubaydah, who was captured in Pakistan two weeks ago, has begun talking to US interrogators. The US accuses Saudi-born extremist Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network of masterminding the September 11th attacks.
But Mr Bush warned other "terrorists" were on the loose and "still want to hit us."
Aides say Mr Bush has yet to decide whether to take military action against Iraq, which he branded as part of the "axis of evil" along with Iran and North Korea, for its repression and reputed weapons of mass destruction.