President praises Rumsfeld in meeting at Pentagon

WASHINGTON — President Bush issued a strong endorsement of embattled Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld on Monday, telling him after a meeting at the Pentagon, "You are doing a superb job."

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

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

Bush, facing indications of waning public confidence in his senior military ranks and declining credibility abroad, went to the Defense Department for what officials said was a previously scheduled briefing.

But the session took on new significance because of the torture and sexual humiliation of prisoners uncovered at the Abu Ghraib prison.

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

Blinking into the cameras, Rumsfeld stood ramrod straight at Bush's left shoulder with his hands clasped behind his back. Vice President Dick Cheney, who had over the weekend called Rumsfeld the best secretary of defense ever, also was there.

This was a made-for-media appearance: Apart from those standing next to Bush and a handful of top White House aides, there was no other audience besides the journalists assembled just off of Rumsfeld's office

Bush's voice was still a little hoarse from three days of barnstorming last week by bus. The president ignored a question of whether more images should be released.

Also attending the war council session 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 U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Earlier Monday, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Bush has been briefed about undisclosed photos that Rumsfeld said depict acts "that can only be described as blatantly sadistic, cruel and inhuman." McClellan said Bush was "very well aware of what's in those images." McClellan said the Pentagon was looking into whether the pictures should be released.

Bush pledged that those who abused prisoners would be brought to justice.

"We will honor the rule of law," he said.