U.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.

VOA News, 07/19/2008