Obama set for ?intense? Pakistan, Afghan Summit

US: US President Barack Obama meets Wednesday with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, hoping to shore up the fight against Islamic extremism as concerns about the region mount.

The summit visibly showcases the new strategy of Obama, who says the United States must consider the neighboring countries together rather than focus just on fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants in Afghanistan.

The meeting comes as challenges deepen for both Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, whose popularity and authority have been crumbling, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who is up against a growing Taliban-led insurgency.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the administration would have ?some very intense sessions? with the Afghan and Pakistani delegations on the new US strategy in the region.

The three-way format is ?quite helpful at beginning to change mindsets and, frankly, set forth some requirements about what we expect from these governments,? Clinton said.

Obama, who has made Afghanistan and Pakistan a key priority for his presidency, openly worried about Zardari?s government during a news conference marking his first 100 days in office.

Washington, Sunday, AFP