Worldandnation: Bush: Rumsfeld is keeping job

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Bush: Rumsfeld is keeping job

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published April 15, 2006

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Friday rebuffed recommendations from a growing number of retired generals that he replace Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. "He has my full support," said the commander in chief.

Bush said Rumsfeld's stewardship at the Pentagon was crucial for the United States.

"Earlier today, I spoke with Don Rumsfeld about ongoing military operations in the global war on terror," Bush said. "I reiterated my strong support for his leadership during this historic and challenging time for our nation."

Bush's strong endorsement comes after six retired generals have called for Rumsfeld to resign, accusing him of mishandling the Iraq war, ignoring advice of field commanders and having an arrogant management style.

Rumsfeld has rejected all such calls, saying Bush has twice turned down his offers to resign.

Meanwhile, in an interview aired Friday on Al-Arabiya television, Rumsfeld said he intended to continue serving.

"The fact that two or three or four retired people have different views, I respect their views," Rumsfeld said. "But obviously if, out of thousands and thousands of admirals and generals, if every time two or three people disagreed we changed the secretary of defense of the United States, it would be like a merry-go-round."

The timing of Bush's statement on Rumsfeld seemed designed to tamp down speculation that Rumsfeld might be on his way out.

Bush's statement also appeared directed at criticism from some of the retired generals that Rumsfeld ignored military recommendations from his commanders on missions in Iraq and in the broader war on terrorism.

"I have seen firsthand how Don relies upon our military commanders in the field and at the Pentagon to make decisions about how to best complete these missions," Bush said. "Secretary Rumsfeld's energetic and steady leadership is exactly what is needed at this period.