Obama begins foreign tour in Afghanistan

US presidential hopeful Barack Obama has arrived in Afghanistan at the beginning of an international tour aimed at boosting his security credentials. The Democratic candidate for the White House flew to Kabul as part of a congressional team. Security issues are seen as the weakest aspect of his presidential bid.

According to surveys, Americans see Republican candidate John McCain as a better commander-in-chief. Obama has promised to send at least two more combat brigades to Afghanistan, if he wins November’s election. He is later expected to travel to Jordan, Israel, Germany, France, Britain and Iraq.