US/Europe

Obama says Americans thankful for UK war help

Article published on the 2008-07-26 Latest update 2008-07-26 11:47 TU

Obama outside the British Prime Minister's residence
(Photo: Reuters)

US Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama declared that Americans are grateful for the UK's support in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, when he met British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street on Saturday. Obama also met former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is now the international Middle East peace envoy.

After meeting Brown, Obama said that there is deep affection for all things British in the US and paid tribute to British soldiers efforts in Afghanistan, where he would like to see more troops, and Iraq, where he promises to reduce the US troop presence.

With two opinion polls in the US showing growing support for his Republican rival, John McCain, Obama admitted that his tour of Afghanistan, the Middle East and Europe may have cost him support back home.

But he defended the international tour.

"The reason that I though this trip was important was I am convinced that many of the issues that we face at home are not going to be solved as effectively unless we have strong partners abroad," he said.