Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were briefed by video conference at the presidential retreat at Camp David, near Washington, by General George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq; General John Abizaid, who has overseen the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
Bush said he thought their recommendations on how to win in Iraq -- "to have an Iraq that can govern itself, sustain itself, defend itself" -- were valid.
The meeting came as the administration sought to capitalize on the death of top terrorist leader Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi.
Bush told the military commanders that he realizes al-Zarqawi's death will not end the war. But he asked the commanders to congratulate the troops for bringing al-Zarqawi "to justice."
(with material from AP)