Sort out Afghanistan for me, Brown asks Ashdown

The former leader of the Liberal Democrats is understood to have held talks about the job with Foreign Secretary David Miliband last month.

It is the second time the Prime Minister has tried to bring Lord Ashdown into his 'government of all the talents'.

Mr Brown's offer of a Cabinet post - namely Northern Ireland Secretary - was rebuffed in June.

At the time, senior Lib Dems accused Mr Brown of 'dirty, underhand politics' but they would be more relaxed about an international role.

The move comes as many experts fear Afghanistan is sliding into chaos because the European Union, the United Nations and Nato are not working together closely enough.

Lord Ashdown is seen as the ideal man for the job, having previously held a key coordinating role in Bosnia, where he was credited with bringing together disparate factions.

But he is understood to be reluctant to take the position unless he has the support of the international community - particularly the U.S.

One senior Foreign Office official said: "We're keen to get Paddy on board but we know he won't do it unless he gets the right mandate. The international community needs to see sense and work together."

While not commenting directly on the proposed job, Lord Ashdown admitted there were communication problems in Afghanistan.

He said: "My view, for what it is worth, is that there needs to be a single figure out there pulling all the strands together. At the moment there is little or no coordination and the country is starting to work against itself."