On Thursday evening, President Bush is due to address a joint session of Congress to urge Americans to be vigilant and patient as the United States prepares to strike the first blow in a war on terrorism. Bush said he would explain "who would do this to our great country and why." He also wants to name those responsible for the attacks.

Bush has been meeting a constant stream of leaders from across the globe. Working to form a global coalition against the threat, Bush is due to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Thursday as well as the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saudi al-Faisal. But US diplomatic efforts seem to be coming to an end, according to correspondent reports, fanning fears of an imminent military strike.