"There's a lot of talk about how some in the world don't appreciate America," Bush told reporters after getting an update at the Pentagon on the war on terror and U.S. relief efforts in South Asia. "I can assure you that those who have been helped by our military appreciate America."

Separately, in an interview with ABC, Bush acknowledged that U.S. public relations campaigns abroad could use some work in a time of rising anti-American sentiment. "Our public diplomacy efforts 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 told Barbara Walters. The interview will air Friday night on ABC's "20/20."

Bush said the massive American effort to help tsunami victims could boost the U.S. image abroad. "Absolutely. I think it can," he said.

"Our military is making a significant difference in providing relief and aid and help and compassion for those who have suffered," Bush said at the Pentagon, flanked by Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. "I am very impressed, Mr. Secretary, with how quickly we have responded and the assets you have ordered deployed to help these people."

After the briefing with his top national security advisers, which lasted more than an hour, Bush greeted more than 50 members of various branches of the armed services, who cheered his visit to the Pentagon.

"We're constantly reviewing our strategy as to how to defeat the enemy," Bush said. "We fully recognize that the war on terror will require a coordinated effort within our own government as well as a coordinated efforts with countries around the world, which understand the stakes of this war."

Bush, who did not answer questions, said he has been pleased with the help the United States is receiving in fighting terror "mindful of the fact that we have constantly got to review our plans and never lose our will."

At the State Department, spokesman Richard Boucher said Indonesian authorities have informed the United States that there is no departure deadline for U.S. troops from the tsunami-affected area.

"Nobody is asking us to go home," Boucher said, suggesting that some reports to the contrary may have been "overinterpreted."

"The relief effort will go on for a long time," he added. "The Indonesian statement about three months, they tell us, was intended as an estimate about how long the military part of the operation might be necessary."

He said if that if the U.S. military is asked to leave, it would do so. "It's that simple," he said.

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