British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated the UK’s commitment to the war in Afghanistan during a surprise visit to the country and warned that a "crucible of terrorism" existed in the Taliban-dominated border region with Pakistan. Brown held talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul on Monday after earlier visiting British troops fighting as part of the NATO-led international coalition in Helmand province. Brown said the UK’s 8,300-strong troop deployment would be temporarily raised to 9,000 during Afghan elections due to be held in August.
