Global economic crisis main US concerns

The top US intelligence official, Dennis Blair, said that the global economic crisis is the main security concern facing America.



The director of national intelligence said at least a quarter of countries had experienced some instability because of the worldwide downturn.



Giving evidence to senators, he also said he believed al-Qaeda\'s leadership had been weakened over the past year.



He pointed to Afghanistan and Pakistan as areas of concern.



Blair said Afghan security had deteriorated and Pakistan had to gain control of its border region before the situation would improve.