US Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama has arrived in Afghanistan, at the start of a campaign-season international tour.
The countries he is also expected to visit include Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Germany, France and Britain.
The Illinois senator flew to the Afghan capital, Kabul, as part of an official congressional delegation.
Correspondents say Mr Obama is hoping to address security issues, seen as the weakest aspect of his presidential bid.
Opinion polls suggest Americans regard Republican John McCain as a better potential commander-in-chief
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BBC