In quotes: US Afghan strategy reaction

World leaders react to the announcement by US President Barack Obama of a "comprehensive new strategy" for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

AFGHAN PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN HOMAYUN HAMIDZADA

We particularly appreciate the recognition that the al-Qaeda threat mainly emanates from Pakistan and it poses a danger to Afghanistan and our international friends here. For the moment we have a very warm and positive welcome for the outcome of the review.

PAKISTANI FOREIGN MINISTER SHAH MEHMOOD QURESHI

Pakistan is willing to play an active, constructive role in this because we feel our peace and security is linked to Afghanistan's... there is spill-over. I think the new Obama administration's approach is a very positive approach.

US DEMOCRATIC SENATOR RUSSELL FEINGOLD

The proposed military escalation in Afghanistan, without an adequate strategy in Pakistan, could make the situation worse, not better.

We need to fully address the inextricable links between the crisis in Afghanistan and the instability and terrorist threats in Pakistan.

PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO THE US HUSAIN HAQQANI

The government of Pakistan... believes that it is an extraordinarily positive sign that the Obama administration is thoroughly re-examining its policy toward our region, re-evaluating and re-invigorating our common efforts to contain terrorism and extremism.

We have been especially pleased by the new level of consultation and partnership that the administration has demonstrated in producing this new strategy and President Obama's personal engagement at this critical time.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT DMITRY MEDVEDEV

I believe that today a number of threats are still there. And in that sense we are ready to participate in the efforts directed at putting things in order, at preventing terrorist attacks.

On the other hand, I do believe that sooner or later, there must be a normal political system in place in Afghanistan. It is impossible... to rule Afghanistan from abroad. Afghanistan should find its own path to democracy.

JOHN McHUGH, REPUBLICAN LEADER US HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

All eyes now turn to the upcoming Nato summit and the administration's efforts to sell this strategy to our allies.

Some will attempt to reach back to the Iraq surge debate, dust off the arguments used to oppose the successful strategy, and apply them to [the] president's new Afghanistan strategy. We cannot allow this minimalist approach.

AFGHAN MP SHUKRIA BARAKZAI

Do not focus more on troops because as long as their number increases, humanitarian aid and assistance will be ignored and undermined. So what Afghanistan needs to have more is humanitarian aid and assistance.

Afghan men... what is important for them is standing on the front line and fighting for their sovereignty. Right now the insurgent side have very sophisticated weapons. But on the Afghan side you have old Kalashnikovs from the Soviet invasion - these things are not matching each other.

US SENATE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID

We must all be committed to giving [US forces] the resources they need and a focused mission that will defeat al-Qaeda and make Americans feel safer here at home.

US HOUSE REPUBLICAN MEMBER MARK KIRK

Because it will take over a year for these additional forces to be trained, President Obama's commitment of US troops will bolster the commitment of the Afghan government and Nato to stay the course.