President Bush speaks to the press about progress in Iraq after participating in a video teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders and Brigade Combat Commanders.

Gen. David Petraeus, the incoming head of the U.S. Central Command, was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award for his work in Iraq with Ambassador Ryan Crocker. He spoke at the Ass'n. of the U.S. Army 2008 Meeting which brings together America's Army, active Guard and Reserve, retirees, family members and civilians.

Sec. of State Condoleezza Rice presented U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and Gen. David Petraeus the Distinguished Service Award for their work in Iraq. They also delivered remarks on the Civil-Military Partnership in Iraq.

The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The committee heard testimony from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and vice chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps General James Cartwright.

Two former high-level Iraqi government insiders testified before the Senate Democratic Policy Cmte. on corruption in the Iraqi government, to the extent of funding al-Qaeda attacks in Iraq. Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) chaired the hearing.

Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) held a hearing on the current Iraqi budget surplus. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that it might reach $79 billion by the end of this year, while the United States spends $10 billion a month in Iraq.

Journalists Bob Woodward joins us to discuss his latest book, "The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008." The book reveals strategies from the Bush Administration's inner circle governing the Iraq War.

Ambassador James Foley & DHS Senior Advisor Lori Scialabba conduct a briefing at the State Department to discuss Iraqi refugee issues.

House Armed Services Chair. Ike Skelton (D-MO) said that "more significant troop reductions in Iraq are needed," after hearing Pres. Bush's announcement on troop levels. The Committee heard the details of President's plan from Sec. of Def. Robert Gates and Joints Chiefs Chair. Adm. Michael Mullen.

Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) joins us to discuss U.S. policy in Iraq and Afghanistan after Pres. Bush announced he is leaving troops levels where they are. Rep. Akin thinks the surge has worked, is especially supportive of the provisional reconstruction teams in Iraq that have worked to strengthen and support local and regional government structures in Iraq, and wants to leave drawdown decisions in the hands of the military.