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Last update - 07:14 27/07/2008 Obama: Allies abroad can often help tackle problems at home By The Associated Press Tags: Israel, U.S., Middle East  LONDON - U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama defended his decision to travel to Europe and the Middle East, saying Saturday that problems encountered by Americans at home are often best dealt with by working with allies overseas. Obama, who spoke to reporters after wrapping up talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said he was not sure if there would be any immediate political impact from the trip - and that he would not be surprised if there was a dip in some of the polls in the week since he left home. People in America, he said, are worried about gas prices and home foreclosures. "The reason that I thought this trip was important is that I am convinced that many issues that we face at home are not going to be solved as effectively unless we have strong partners abroad," he said. "And unless we get a handle on Iraq and Afghanistan, not only are we going to be less safe, but it's also going to be a huge drain on resources." Advertisement Obama said he and Brown discussed a wide range of issues such as climate change, terrorism and financial markets. "The prime minister's emphasis - like mine - is on how we can strengthen the trans-Atlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any single country individually," he said. The Democratic hopeful seemed relaxed as he strolled down to the prime minister's office at 10 Downing St., pausing briefly to shake the hands of two somewhat startled police officers standing near the door. He turned to television cameras, smiled, waved and said hello before walking into No. 10. Pooled television images showed Brown offering Obama a chair on the Downing Street terrace before they settled down for two hours of talks. The pair later took a stroll in the sunshine around Horse Guards Parade, the vast open space where military reviews such as Trooping the Color are often held. Tourists snapped pictures from a distance while security guards walked ahead of the two men. The stroll in the vast arena offered a photo opportunity with a London backdrop for Obama, whose visit to Britain has been decidedly low-key, particularly after the huge crowds he drew earlier in the week in Germany. Obama later said he had also wanted to take a walk through St. James's Park, but security guards pulled him and Brown back. With the exception of the walkabout, British officials took care to make certain that the same photo opportunities were offered to Obama as were given to Republican presidential contender John McCain during his visit earlier this year. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Internal fighting Human rights groups say torture is widespread in Palestinian lockups. Danger looms Pentagon chief Robert Gates warns: War with Iran would be 'disastrous.'   1.   guided tour 03:32  |  Shmuelshachor 27/07/08   2.   Shmuelshachor - The Jelly Donut Line 08:22  |  Mark of Lewiston 27/07/08   3.   May be they can may be they can not 08:26  |  Alex 27/07/08

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