Petraeus: Afghan war at a 'critical moment'

The nine-year war in Afghanistan has reached a critical moment according to the US General overseeing the NATO-led force in the country.

David Petraeus has formally taken command of around 150,000 soldiers and made a speech in the capital, Kabul.

Wearing camouflage fatigues he spoke near a marble column dedicated to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops killed in the Afghan campaign.

"We all recognise the threat that the Taliban, al Qaeda and the other associated syndicate of extremists pose to this country, this region and to the world," he said.

He was handed the position after his predecessor, General Stanley McChrystal, made disparaging remarks about the US administration.

The appointment of Petraeus could be a last throw of the dice for Washington to end an increasingly costly conflict that is draining Western budgets as they emerge from one of the worst global recessions in history.

The Taliban appears to be at its strongest since being overthrown in 2001. ISAF casualties are mounting daily.

But the international force is taking on a new strategy but tackling the insurgents in the south while relying on the government to improve local governance and development.