Bush Backs Sharon as Advisers Doubt Israeli Strategy

CRAWFORD, Tex., March 31 — Ever since he began prosecuting the war against terrorism, President Bush has rarely displayed the slightest ambivalence about his strategy, and has managed to send messages of resolve to friends and enemies alike — until the last few weeks, that is, when he was forced into the maelstrom of the Middle East.

When Mr. Bush emerged from his ranch on the Texas prairie here Saturday afternoon, he was once again adjusting his tone, as he struggles to influence events on the West Bank over which he has little leverage. This time he used his strongest language yet to support Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel and to condemn Yasir Arafat, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority.

While the message was firm, it followed a lengthy National Security Council meeting that morning, where Mr. Bush's top advisers repeated their doubts that Mr. Sharon's strategy would either stop the suicide bombings or force Mr. Arafat back to negotiations, according to an administration official.