Bush frustrated by lack of support for US in Iraq

In particular, from the questions he posed several non-government experts at the 90-minute lunch, Bush appeared to be uncertain of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki's effectiveness, said some of the participants, who pointed out that Bush never expressed a personal view of the Iraqi leader.

"I sensed a frustration with the lack of progress on the bigger picture of Iraq generally -- that we continue to lose a lot of lives, it continues to sap our budget," said one person who attended the meeting this week

"The president wants the people in Iraq to get more on board to bring success," added the source, who like several others at the meeting spoke with the newspaper on condition they would not be identified.

Bush also voiced frustration at the Iraqi people's lack of appreciation of the US sacrifices in their country, noting especially an huge anti-American and pro-Hezbollah rally held in Baghdad recently.

"I do think he was frustrated about why 10,000 Shiites would go into the streets and demonstrate against the United States," said another person who attended the meeting.

American University professor Carole O'Leary said Bush expressed the view that Iraq's "Shia-led government needs to clearly and publicly express the same appreciation for United States efforts and sacrifices as they do in private."

The White House refused to comment on the lunch, which the daily said included Bush's war cabinet in addition to the outside experts and was part of the government's efforts to counter criticism it is out of touch with public opinion.