Bush praises ‘superb’ Rumsfeld

US PRESIDENT George W Bush issued a strong endorsement yesterday of embattled Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, telling him after a meeting at the Pentagon: “You are doing a superb job.”

With Mr Rumsfeld at his side, Mr Bush said his Cabinet officer was “courageously leading our nation in our war against terror ... You are a strong secretary of defence and our nation owes you a debt of gratitude.”

Mr Bush’s comments appeared designed to head off rising speculation that Mr Rumsfeld would resign, as both men braced for the anticipated release of more pictures and video images showing Iraqi prisoners being abused by US soldiers.