President Bush is expected to propose a commitment of some 20,000 U.S. troops to Iraq as he discusses the ongoing war effort in a televised address at 9 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 10).

What will that mean to both the region and his presidency? West Virginia University has a trio of experts who can discuss the reaction and ramifications of the military proposal.

They are:

Robert DiClerico, Eberly Professor of Political Science. Dr. DiClerico is an authority on the presidency, and can give insight and background on how past wartime presidents served in similar circumstances. Hes the author ofVoting in AmericaandThe American President.He can be reached at robert.diclerico@mail.wvu.edu ; or 304-293-3812, ext. 5276, or 304-599-0776.

Joe Hagan, professor and chair of WVU s Department of Political Science and director of international studies. Hagan is an authority on international relations and foreign policy and can discuss the politics and particulars of both war and peace in the Middle East. He can be reached at joe.hagan@mail.wvu.edu ; or 304-293-3811, ext. 5283, or 304-599-2043.

Greg Noone, adjunct professor of political science. Noone is a former judge advocate in the U.S. Navy and has taught conflict resolution to members of the Iraqi National Congress and the post-Taliban government in Afghanistan. He can be reached at gnoone@mix.wvu.edu or 202-822-3988.