Washington, Mar 20 : Afghan Governor Gul Agha Shirzai, who is a semi-literate former warlord and a handful of other former warlords are again being seen as useful partners as US President Barack Obama undertakes a massive overhaul of the war in Afghanistan.

Many in Afghanistan think Shirzai might also be the country’s best hope for stability. As the head of one of the country’s most peaceful provinces, he has ensured that roads get built, opium poppies are ploughed under, and the Taliban are held at bay.

Tehran - Tehran has not officially reacted to Friday's offer by US President Barack Obama for a new start in relations with Iran, as the country celebrates the Persian New Year.

Obama early Friday offered a new start with Iran, saying the United States was committed to engagement, not threats, in its pursuit of diplomacy.

Obama made the remarks in a message for Nowruz, or the start of the Iranian year, broadcast by Voice of America's Persian News Network, which is widely viewed by satellite in Iran.

Brussels - US President Barack Obama's offer of direct talks with Iran is a "very good" one and deserves an "intelligent" response, the man who heads international negotiations over Iran's controversial nuclear programme said Friday.

Washington, Mar. 20 : President Barack Obama congratulated the Iranians on their New Year early on Friday, hinting that the United States might be willing to ease trade sanctions against Tehran if it behaves more responsibly in international affairs.

Obama's comments, which were videotaped for broadcast to the Iranian people, contrasted with exhortations from the Bush administration for the Iranian people to rise up and overturn their Islamic government, reports the Washington Times.

New York, Mar 20 (ANI): California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has showered praise on President Barack Obama while introducing him during a town hall meeting at the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex 2009 in Los Angeles.

Schwarzenegger, 61, was very impressed with the Democratic commander in chief, and his feelings were revealed on March 18 on the Politico Web site.

"I think he''s so smart," the New York Daily News quoted the Republican as saying.

London, Mar 20 : US President Barack Obama and Brit actor Russell Brand are being considered for an appearance in American animated sitcom `The Simpsons'.

Executive producer's James L Brooks and Al Jean hope that 47-year-old Obama will become the first president in office to appear on the show.

"We'd love to have Barack on the show. No president has agreed to do it yet but we'll keep asking," the Sun quoted Brooks as telling TV Biz.

"We're putting all the right signals out," he said.