Afghanistan War 'Just Beginning'

America has reached "just the beginning" of the war in Afghanistan, the Pentagon's senior soldier said yesterday.

Gen Richard Myers, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, stressed that more needed to be done to bring stability to the country. He said a threat to peace in Afghanistan remained, even though the Taliban had been replaced, because Osama bin Laden's al-Qa'eda network was still working.

Gen Myers, visiting New Delhi, told reporters: "Some prominent US lawmaker said the war in Afghanistan was essentially over. I think it's just the beginning.

"There's a threat that remains in Afghanistan. It would be there a little bit longer until we can capture some of the leadership remaining and try to make the situation more secure."

So far, America has remained aloof from the factional squabbling in Afghanistan. A considerable number of people have been killed in the country as rival warlords jockey for position.

The country remains highly volatile and despite their defeat, the Taliban harbour hopes of returning to power on a wave of chauvinism generated by foreign intervention.