Bush: Relief work giving Muslims new view of U.S.

WASHINGTON — President Bush said in an interview to be aired today that America's enemies are winning the public-relations battle in the Muslim world but U.S. tsunami-relief efforts will improve the nation's tarnished image.

"Our public diplomacy efforts aren't ... aren't very robust and aren't very good compared to the public diplomacy efforts of those who would like to spread hatred and ... vilify the United States," Bush said in excerpts of the interview with Barbara Walters that ABC News released yesterday.

"But in ... responding to the tsunami, many in the Muslim world have seen a great compassion in the American people."

Bush, who initially was criticized for a slow and limited U.S. response to the tsunami that killed 158,000 across Asia, said he was "very impressed ... by how quickly we have responded" to deploy military equipment and personnel for the international relief effort.

Indonesia, a strategically important ally in the U.S. war on terrorism, has been strongly critical of Bush's policies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The United States, which is viewed warily by Muslims who suspect Bush's war on terrorism to be a crusade against Islam, is spending about $6 million a day in tsunami-devastated areas by providing military ships, helicopters, airplanes, personnel and other assets.

Amphibious assault ship heads for risky relief duty

ABOARD THE USS DULUTH, Sri Lanka — The USS Duluth was bound for eastern Sri Lankan shores yesterday to carry out tsunami-relief work that will bring it close to areas controlled by Tamil Tiger rebels.

The amphibious assault ship, carrying 400 Marines and 400 Navy personnel, set sail two days after it anchored off the southern coast, where it had delivered heavy machinery such as bulldozers and trucks, as well as humanitarian supplies.

In eastern Sri Lanka, Tamils and Muslims are the major communities and the Tamil Tiger rebels have considerable influence. The area was the scene of a major clash between the mainstream rebel group and a breakaway faction last spring.

The Tigers have not commented on either the landing of U.S. soldiers or their movement to the east. But a rebel-backed Tamil politician has charged that the troops involved in relief efforts might use the operation as a cover to spy on the rebels and give intelligence to the government.

The Tamil Tigers, included on a U.S. list of terrorist organizations, have fought a two-decade civil war for independence.

About 65,000 people were killed in the conflict until a Norway-brokered cease-fire in 2002.

So far the few Marines who have been sent ashore do not carry weapons or set up heavy security perimeters.

Indonesian deadline on foreign troops downplayed by U.S. aide

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. — Traveling to tsunami-hit countries in Asia yesterday, U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz played down Indonesia's call for foreign forces helping with relief efforts to leave Aceh province by the end of March and said U.S. troops had been made welcome.

Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla called Wednesday for foreign troops helping with relief efforts to leave the stricken area of Aceh, on the northern tip of Sumatra island, by the end of March.

Wolfowitz said he understood that it was difficult for any country to have foreign troops on its soil.

"It would be sensitive in the United States, and I can tell you that it is extremely sensitive in Indonesia," he said.

ALSO

Jet crashes: A U.S. Marine Corps Harrier fighter jet crashed into the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra yesterday, but the pilot was rescued by a helicopter and sustained only minor injuries, the military said. A Navy Seahawk helicopter also taking part in the relief effort crashed near the crowded airport in the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh Monday. Officials said none of the passengers was killed.

Embassies threatened: Britain suspended services at its embassy in Jakarta after Indonesian police said yesterday that officials had received bomb threats for the British and Thai embassies in the city.