New Aghan policy 'a strategy for success'

US President Barack Obama's revamped policy on Afghanistan will be a strategy for success in a bloody conflict characterised by worsening Taliban violence and a controversial presidential election result.

At his first media conference yesterday, new US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich spoke of his confidence that the new Obama blue print would check worsening insecurity in the troubled country.

Speaking after presenting his credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce, Mr Bleich, a close friend of President Obama for more than 20 years - said Washington had no greater friend than Australia.

On the vexed issue of climate change Mr Bleich said Washington fully acknowledged Canberra's position as a "world leader'' in the lead up to the Copenhagen conference.

The Obama White House was highly appreciative of Australia's military contribution to the Afghanistan conflict, he said.

"We recognise Australia is the largest troop contributor outside of NATO (countries).

"I believe whatever decisions the president announces next week will reflect that consultation, cooperation and recognition of our mutual interests,'' he said.

Mr Bleich said the new Afghan strategy involved "some difficult choices'' and "hard decisions.''

"He (Obama) is now prepared as he said to announce a way forward.

"His idea is that we can restore stability to that area (Afghanisan and Pakistan) and make sure its not a breeding ground for terrorists.''

Its understood President Obama will announce his revamped strategy next Tuesday which endorses a plan to reinforce the flagging campaign with an extra 20-40,000 troops on top of the 68,000 US force already deployed.

In related developments yesterday, Defence Minister John Faulkner said, Australia's current troop commitment of 1550 personnel to be "about right.''

But significantly, he foreshadowed a possible change in the composition of the force.

"This is not to say that Australia cannot reshape our contribution if appropriate in light of any revised strategy.

"In line with NATO's identified priority areas, Australia is examining what we might do in terms of focusing on training, civilian assistance and capacity building.

"I have asked the Chief of the Defence ForceAir Chief Marshal Angus Houston to review the composition of our current contribution,'' Mr Faulkner said.

While welcoming the re-election of President Hamid Karzai, Mr Faulkner said Australia and other NATO-troop contributing nations expected action to be taken by his new government to tackle worsening corruption and narcotics trafficking.

The Australian