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Bush, Maliki Plan to Meet Thursday in Jordan


President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki plan to meet on Thursday in Jordan to discuss ways to stem the spiraling sectarian violence in Iraq.

The two leaders were scheduled to meet Wednesday with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman. But a U.S. official says Mr. Maliki and King Abdullah decided that because their own meeting was so successful -- another meeting to include Mr. Bush was not needed.

The White House rejected any link between the scheduling change and a memo suggesting U.S. doubt about Mr. Maliki's ability to control the violence in Iraq. Officials say the postponed meeting was not a "snub" by the Iraqi Prime Minister.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that a classified memo prepared by U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley expressed concerns about Nouri al-Maliki. The Times said the memo also recommended the United States take new steps to strengthen Mr. Maliki's position.

Mr. Maliki's government is in crisis over his meeting with President Bush. On Wednesday, lawmakers loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr suspended their participation in Iraq's government to protest the meeting.

President Bush did meet privately Wednesday with King Abdullah at his royal palace for talks mainly on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

White House officials say both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority. The officials say King Abdullah said the current ceasefire in the Gaza Strip presents a moment of opportunity for Israel and the Palestinians.

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