Rory Stewart

Assessing current options for western forces in Iraq

Stephen Sackur talks to a former Deputy Governor of a province in Iraq about current options for western forces there.

President Bush is about to reveal his new strategy in Iraq.

If the torrent of leaks is to be believed it'll include more American troops and more development aid.

It'll also set out benchmarks for the current Baghdad Government.

Rory Stewart had his own experience trying to govern a chunk of occupied Iraq.

He was Deputy Governor of Maysan Province.

He was also a Special Adviser in Nasiriyah.

Stephen Sackur asks him: is it now too late for the US to shape Iraq's future?

HARDtalk can be seen on BBC World at 0430 GMT 0930 GMT 1430 GMT 1930 GMT 0030 GMT.

It can also be seen on BBC News 24 at 0430 and 2330.