Obama announces envoy for 'perilous' Afghanistan

President Barack Obama vowed to “refocus attention and resources” on Afghanistan and Pakistan as he attempted to reshape US foreign policy today.

Announcing the appointment of former UN ambassador Richard Holbrooke as special envoy to the region, Mr Obama described the situation in Afghanistan as “perilous”.

He said a careful review of policy was needed, adding that America would seek deeper engagement with the governments and people of both countries.

During his second day in the job, Mr Obama gave a bleak assessment of the situation in Afghanistan.

“The American people and the international community must understand that the situation is perilous and that progress will take time,” he said.

The President said the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained a refuge for members of al Qaeda and Taliban militants who were destabilising the area.

He added there was “no answer in Afghanistan” without confronting this area.

During his election campaign, the Mr Obama pledged to commit more troops in Afghanistan.

He made no announcement of additional deployments today. But he said his administration was “committed to refocusing attention and resources on Afghanistan and Pakistan and to spending those resources wisely”.

He continued: “That is why we are pursuing a careful review of policy.

“We will seek stronger partnerships with the governments of the region, sustain cooperation with our Nato allies, deeper engagement with the Afghanistan and Pakistani people and a comprehensive strategy to combat terror and extremists.”