Afghanistan, Pak central front in war against terrorism: Obama

Washington, Jan 23 US President Barack Obama today said Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central front in the America&aposs war against terrorism and deteriorating situation in the region poses grave threat to the global security.

" This is the central front in our enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism," Obama said reiterating that the Afghan-Pak problem can&apost be resolved in isolation.

There has to be regional approach to it, he argued.

Addressing the officials of the State Department after Richard Holbrooke was appointed Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said,"There, as in the Middle East, we must understand that we cannot deal with our problems in isolation."

Obama said his administration is committed to refocusing attention and resources on Afghanistan and Pakistan and to spending those resources wisely."That&aposs why we are pursuing a careful review of our policy,"he said.

Terming it as an international challenge of the"highest order", he said," There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the Al-Qaeda and Taliban bases along the border, and there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan."

However, Obama said the situation can&apost be resolved so quickly in the region
(Source PTI)