Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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July 19, 2008

Presidential Hopeful Barack Obama Arrives in Afghanistan 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1D4EBAF:A6F02AD83191E160EB30E663F8367573C030207A0BD70133&
 
First stop at start of international tour aimed at bolstering foreign
policy credentials 
Barack Obama, second from left, with Gul Agha Shirzai, left, the
governor of Nangarhar province, attends a meeting in Jalalabad,
Afghanistan, 19 July 2008U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack
Obama is in Afghanistan, at the start of an international tour designed
to boost his foreign policy credentials.A spokesman said Senator Obama
arrived Saturday in Kabul, where he is expected to meet with Afghan
President Hamid Karzai.Obama is traveling along with two other U.S.
senators, Republican Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democrat Jack Reed of
Rhode Island. The congressional delegation will also visit Iraq.Before
his trip, Obama told reporters he wanted to talk with commanders in both
major war zones to get a sense of their concerns.Obama has suggested
withdrawing troops from Iraq and increasing the military presence in
Afghanistan, which he says is more important in the fight against
terrorism.His Republican rival, Senator John McCain has criticized
Obama's plans and says!
  the strategy in Iraq is working.Obama's international tour will also
include stops in Israel, Jordan, Germany, France and Britain.Palestinian
officials say he will meet with leaders in the West Bank next week. Some
critics have said Obama, a first term senator, is too inexperienced in
international affairs to serve as commander in chief.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


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