flush out Taliban fighters hiding along the border with Afghanistan.

Speaking at a security conference, Rumsfeld described Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf as a "courageous man" who understands the danger of terrorism.

"President Musharraf has done an excellent job in a difficult country in a difficult environment, and is clearly dedicated to defeating terror," Rumsfeld said. "He has shown courageous leadership."

He was answering a question by a delegate on whether Rumsfeld, in his speech earlier, was right in praising Musharraf as a key player in the fight against terrorism. The questioner suggested that Musharraf does not deserve the praise as Afghan leaders have accused Pakistan of not sharing intelligence on the whereabouts of Taliban leaders hiding in tribal areas.