President Bush makes his 2008 State of the Union address

President Bush in his final State of the Union address has called on lawmakers to approve a stimulus plan to boost the U.S. economy. He also urged the American public to support his policies for Iraq.

Mr. Bush said the economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. He said a recently announced bipartisan economic stimulus plan is a "good agreement" that will keep the economy growing and Americans working.

Dr. Ali Riaz

On international issues, Mr. Bush acknowledged that challenges remain in Iraq. But he said the surge of U.S. and Iraqi troops has achieved results that were not imaginable a year ago, helping to decrease violence.

Dr. Ali Riaz is the Chairman of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University.  He is currently Associate Professor.  Prior to joining Illinois State University he has taught at Claflin University in South Carolina, and the University of Lincoln in England.

In this interview with Voice of America, Bangla Service Dr. Ali Riaz analyzes the President’s speech.