<p><br /> The nine-year war in Afghanistan has reached a critical moment according to the US General overseeing the NATO-led force in the country.<br /> </p><p><br /> David Petraeus has formally taken command of around 150,000 soldiers and made a speech in the capital, Kabul.<br /> </p><p><br /> Wearing camouflage fatigues he spoke near a marble column dedicated to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops killed in the Afghan campaign.<br /> </p><p><br /> "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.<br /> </p><p><br /> He was handed the position after his predecessor, General Stanley McChrystal, made disparaging remarks about the US administration.<br /> </p><p><br /> 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.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Taliban appears to be at its strongest since being overthrown in 2001. ISAF casualties are mounting daily.<br /> </p><p><br /> 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.<br /> </p>
