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.

Mr Bush, facing indications of waning public confidence in his senior military ranks and declining credibility abroad, went to the Defence Department for what officials said was a previously scheduled briefing. However, the session took on new significance because of the torture and sexual humiliation of prisoners uncovered at the Abu Ghraib prison.

Mr Bush faced reporters in the executive dining room, just outside Mr Rumsfeld’s office.

Also attending yesterday’s war council session at the Pentagon were Secretary of State Colin Powell, CIA Director George Tenet, Gen Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Peter Pace, vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Gen John Abizaid, top commander of US forces in the Middle East.

Earlier yesterday, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Mr Bush has been briefed about undisclosed photos that Mr Rumsfeld said depict acts “that can only be described as blatantly sadistic, cruel and inhuman.” Mr McClellan said Mr Bush was “very well aware of what’s in those images.”

He said that the Pentagon was looking into whether the pictures should be released.

Mr Bush pledged that those who abused prisoners would be brought to justice. “We will honour the rule of law,” he said.

He also promised that “all prison operations in Iraq” would be fully reviewed to make sure similar abuses do not happen again, and that there will be a full accounting for the “cruel and disgraceful abuse of Iraqi detainees.”

“The conduct that has come to light is an insult to the Iraqi people and is an affront to the most basic standards of morality and decency,” he said.

Mr Bush said what happened in the prison does not reflect the “character” of the more than 200,000 military personal who have served in Iraq.

The president said his administration would stick to its vow to turn over sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government on June 30 despite the recent rise in violence.

“Men and women across the Middle East are watching closely. And they will see America keep its word,” he said. He took no questions after his remarks.

Mr Bush urged Congress to approve a $21.1 billion contingency reserve fund that can be used for ongoing operations in Iraq.

In his remarks, Mr Bush said US Marines are maintaining pressure on Saddam Hussein loyalists, foreign fighters and other militants in the volatile city of Fallujah near Baghdad.

“We’re keeping that pressure on to ensure that Fallujah ceases to be an enemy sanctuary,” he said.

Mr Bush said, that in northern sectors of the city, marines were prepared to strike at insurgents to prevent renewed violence and chaos while, south of the city, the marines were disrupting enemy attacks on coalition supply rights. In the southern city of Najaf, the US coalition is trying to dismantle an illegal militia that has attempted to incite violence and seize control, he said. Soldiers are conducting reconnaissance to learn the precise strength and location of enemy forces.

“The 1st Armoured Division is steadily defeating these enemy forces while seeking to protect the people and holy sites of that city,” Mr Bush said, adding that a “legitimate” governor has been appointed.

The president acknowledged that images of Iraqi prisoner abuse had damaged America’s image abroad.

“Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well beyond the walls of a prison. It has given some an excuse to question our cause and to cast doubt on our motives,” Mr Bush said.

On Capitol Hill, senators scheduled another hearing on the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers. Witnesses at today’s hearing include Maj Gen Antonio Taguba, author of the report that found numerous “sadistic, blatant and wanton criminal abuses” at the prison near Baghdad.

Meanwhile, a Gannett Company newspaper that reports on the US military said in an editorial that responsibility for the scandal lies at the highest levels of the Pentagon, including Mr Rumsfeld and Gen Myers. Both men are guilty of “professional negligence”, said the Army Times editorial.