Petraeus: Afghanistan most urgent area

WASHINGTON, April 24 (UPI) -- "Reversing the downward security spiral" in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the most urgent problem in his command, Gen. David Petraeus said Friday.

"Disrupting and ultimately defeating al-Qaida and the other extremist elements in Pakistan and Afghanistan and reversing the downward security spiral seen in key parts of these countries will require sustained substantial commitment," Petraeus told a House Appropriations subcommittee.

Petraeus said President Obama has made that commitment. He said Afghanistan and Pakistan also need civilian resources from the United States.

"As was the case in Iraq, additional forces will only be of value if they are employed properly," he said. "It is vital that they be seen as goodness -- good guests and good partners, not as would-be conquerors or superiors, as formidable warriors who also do all possible to avoid civilian casualties in the course of combat operations."

Petraeus said in spite of recent bombings in Iraq, the handover of security to Iraqi forces is "on track."