Speaking to the State Department after Richard Holbrooke was appointed Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said the worsening situation in the region poses a grave threat to what he called 'global security' but added that the situation could not be quickly resolved.
"Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central front in the America's war against terrorism and the deteriorating situation in the region poses a grave threat to the global security. It's an international challenge of the highest order. That's why we are pursuing a careful review of our policy."
"The American people and the international community must understand that the situation is perilous and progress will take time. Violence is up dramatically in Afghanistan. A deadly insurgency has taken deep root. The opium trade is far and away the largest in the world," he said.
The comments come ahead of an expected influx of some 30,000 American troops into Afghanistan to combat al-Qaeda-linked and pro-Taliban insurgents that have sent violence skyrocketing in the region over the last two years.
Obama warned that al-Qaeda and Taliban are able to 'strike from bases embedded in rugged tribal terrain along the Pak-Afghan border'.
US officials say militant activities in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan affect cities in the US, Britain and other western countries.
Meanwhile Holbrooke said Pakistan's situation is "infinitely complex and I don't think I would advance our goals if I tried to discuss it today.''
He indicated an eagerness to travel to the region and report back to Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
President Obama’s statements soon came in for applause in New Delhi, welcoming the statement Defence Minister AK Antony urged the world to initiate action to tackle terror emanating from Pakistani soil.
Underlining an immediate need to disband terror outfits operating in Pakistan, Antony claimed that at least 30 terror camps are still operating in Pakistan.
"Sympathy and solidarity is fine, but what India needs is action," said Antony.
"Afghanistan and Pakistan are the central front in the America's war against terrorism and the deteriorating situation in the region poses a grave threat to the global security. It's an international challenge of the highest order. That's why we are pursuing a careful review of our policy."
"The American people and the international community must understand that the situation is perilous and progress will take time. Violence is up dramatically in Afghanistan. A deadly insurgency has taken deep root. The opium trade is far and away the largest in the world," he said.
The comments come ahead of an expected influx of some 30,000 American troops into Afghanistan to combat al-Qaeda-linked and pro-Taliban insurgents that have sent violence skyrocketing in the region over the last two years.
Obama warned that al-Qaeda and Taliban are able to 'strike from bases embedded in rugged tribal terrain along the Pak-Afghan border'.
US officials say militant activities in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan affect cities in the US, Britain and other western countries.
Meanwhile Holbrooke said Pakistan's situation is "infinitely complex and I don't think I would advance our goals if I tried to discuss it today.''
He indicated an eagerness to travel to the region and report back to Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
President Obama’s statements soon came in for applause in New Delhi, welcoming the statement Defence Minister AK Antony urged the world to initiate action to tackle terror emanating from Pakistani soil.
Underlining an immediate need to disband terror outfits operating in Pakistan, Antony claimed that at least 30 terror camps are still operating in Pakistan.
"Sympathy and solidarity is fine, but what India needs is action," said Antony.
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