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Gordon Brown unveils new plan to target 'crucible of terrorism'

This article is more than 14 years old
British PM announces switch in strategy to send more troops and aid to Pakistan-Afghanistan border region, which fosters up to three-quarters of terror threats faced by UK

Gordon Brown today signalled a shift in the UK strategy for Afghanistan, announcing that greater effort will be directed towards the border with Pakistan, which he described as "a crucible for terrorism" responsible for fostering up to three-quarters of terror threats faced by the UK.

Brown was speaking on his first visit to Afghanistan since announcing troop reinforcements for the country at the Nato summit at the end of March.

His warning today mirrors the new strategy adopted by the US since Barack Obama became president. It places the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as central to the UK's future operations in the region. Brown is heading for Pakistan today where he will meet its president, Asif Ali Zardari.

Brown said: "There is a crucible of terrorism in the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our approach to those countries is different but must be complementary. Our strategy for dealing with this breeding ground of terrorism will mean more security on the streets of Britain."

Brown will announce the official strategy to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

At a press conference in Kabul, Brown told the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai: "I come here as a friend of Afghanistan, wanting to continue to work with you in the best ways we can to strengthen the democracy of Afghanistan, to give support to the Afghan people, social, economic and political ... help for the future and, of course, to join the work of eradicating terrorism from this area and, of course, from the borders of Pakistan as well."

The UK will send 900 extra troops in addition to £15m of aid to help the Afghans with their upcoming election. Brown will also redirect existing aid to Pakistan. Of the £655m package over four years – the UK's second largest aid budget – half will be directed to the troubled northern areas of Pakistan. The strategy also calls for the recruitment of more police and for the Afghan army to be expanded from 75,000 to 134,000 by the end of 2011.

Brown said: "There is a chain of terrorism that goes from here round to the streets of Britain. That's why it's absolutely important that, while we have made progress on Afghan elections, democratic government, 6 million children in education, hospitals as well as roads and infrastructure for the people of Afghanistan, that we defeat international terrorism and hold it back from here in Lashkar Gar, here in Helmand province, but also on the other side of the border in Pakistan.

"I think it is right that we support an exercise by more than 40 countries who maintain democracy in Afghanistan against the Taliban and against the possibility of al-Qaida. I think it is very important that we work with the Pakistan government in countering terrorism.

"We know that three-quarters of the terrorist activities that happen in Britain arise from the areas around here. Therefore, the safety of people on the streets of Britain is immediately being safeguarded by the action being taken here."

On his visit to Helmand province, Brown took part in a shura – local gathering – with Gulab Mangal, the governor. He also met the heads of police and army units. He addressed a gathering of about 50 British troops, thanking them for their work. Sir Jock Stirrup, the head of the army, is travelling with the prime minister.

At the news conference, Brown said he had received an assurance from Karzai that the controversial proposed introduction of sharia family law in Afghanistan – that would have legalised rape within marriage – was now being reviewed.

Karzai confirmed this. "I assure you that the law in Afghanistan will be completely in harmony with the constitution of Afghanistan and human rights that we have [in our constitution] and with the principle of international treaties. I can tell you with confidence that the law is under review. Amendments will take place."

The Afghan president also said that when he met Brown for their talks, the first thing Brown did was apologise for the distress caused by civilian casualties.

Brown said: "Every life lost is a tragedy. Every civilian life lost is one too many. We are committed to avoiding civilian casualties by ensuring that our troops are trained and equipped."

At the news conference, Karzai admitted that the Afghan government was weak.

"The Afghan government does not have the abilities that other governments have," he said.

"Had we been a fully capable state with the means and tools of governance in our hands, the troops of the rest of the world would not be here. You would not have given us the billions of dollars that you have given us."

Although the strategy to be announced this week appears to follow in the footsteps of Obama's "AfPak" strategy, Brown said today it was building on a four-point doctrine launched in 2007 of "Afghan-isation", localisation, civilianisation, and reconciliation. Brown pointed to the success of integrating the civilian operation with the military in Helmand.

In Lashkar Gar, Brown met Private Leon Wilson, the man dubbed Britain's luckiest soldier. Wilson was shot in the head during a fire fight but the bullet was deflected by his helmet.

Wilson said: "He asked if I was feeling OK now. He said I was a hero at home but I don't think I am."

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