AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Barack Obama says the security situation in Iraq has improved, and it's time to turn attention to its political situation.

He says Iraq's needs must now begin to be addressed politically and diplomatically. Obama adds that the U.S. needs to focus on Afghanistan, which he calls the central front in the war on terror. He spoke in Jordan, in the first news conference of his highly publicized visits to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Democratic presidential candidate also reiterated his goal of withdrawing combat troops from Iraq within 16 months of becoming president. But he says he'd consult with military commanders on how many troops should stay to protect diplomatic and humanitarian operations, to train Iraqis and to conduct operations against al-Qaida in Iraq.

Obama's stop in Jordan will include a meeting with King Abdullah.


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