Barack Obama (3R) poses with US ambassador in Afghanistan, William Wood (L), Senator from Nebraska Chuck Hagel (2L), and several military members at the Bagram Air Base, Afghanstan, 19 July 2008

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has met with U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan, at the start of an international tour designed to boost his foreign policy credentials.

Obama visited Bagram air force base in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday as part of a congressional delegation that includes two other U.S. senators, Republican Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democrat Jack Reed of Rhode Island. 

The U.S. military says commanders briefed the lawmakers about the war effort. Afghan officials say Obama will meet with President Hamid Karzai during his visit. He is also expected to travel to Iraq. Before his trip, Obama told reporters he wanted to talk with commanders in both major war zones to get a sense of their concerns. Obama has suggested withdrawing troops from Iraq and increasing the military presence in Afghanistan, which he says is more important in the fight against terrorism.

In a radio address today, Republican candidate John McCain criticized Obama for announcing a war strategy before his trip.