Barack Obama said yesterday that he would not hesitate to order military strikes against al-Qaeda targets on Pakistani soil with or without the permission of General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's military ruler.

Mr Obama's speech - one of the most belligerent by a Democratic presidential candidate - appeared to be have been prompted by Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner, who has portrayed her rival as doveish and inexperienced. Mr Obama sought to allay the impression that he would be slow to use force...

Political analysts said his speech was prompted by Mrs Clinton's criticisms. "Obama has clearly been advised that he needs to do some of that George Bush swagger because it plays well with the voters," said Steve Clemons, a foreign policy blogger.

Mark Schmitt, a Democratic think-tanker, said: "Obama needs to get a debate going with Hillary because she remains in the lead in the polls. His numbers might go up or down. But he has to shake things up."

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