President Bush meets Thursday in London with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Meanwhile, protesters are gathering for massive demonstrations in the British capital. Their talks are expected to focus on plans to accelerate the return of political power to the people of Iraq. But they might also discuss the fate of British citizens detained by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as part of the war on terrorism in Afghanistan.
Another possible topic is the status of U.S. tariffs on imported steel, which have been rejected by the World Trade Organization.
In a speech Wednesday to a group of foreign policy experts in London, the president talked at length about all the United States and Great Britain can do together. Mr. Bush said Prime Minister Blair is a leader of good judgment, blunt council and backbone (inner strength) who has his respect and deepest thanks.