Obama seeking to block release of abuse photos

US President Barack Obama is seeking to block the release of new photographs showing U.S. personnel allegedly abusing prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan.



Obama\'s decision comes after top military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan were reported to have told Mr Obama that they fear the release of the photos could endanger their troops.



A White House official said Mr. Obama decided he did not feel comfortable with the release and last week instructed his legal team to challenge it in court.



The official said the president has also instructed administration lawyers to make the case that the national security implications of such a release have not been fully presented to the court.



Mr Obama reportedly informed General Ray Odierno, the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, of his decision during a White House meeting yesterday.