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THE ISSUES / INTERNATIONAL POLICY
The Candidates:
• George W. Bush
• John Kerry
• Ralph Nader
• Third Parties
Showdown States:
The Conventions:
• Democratic
• Republican
The Primaries
• The Candidates
• The Delegates
View Results by:
• The Money
• The Issues
• Primary Explainer


<img src="http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/ELECTION/2004/special/president/issues/nav/noflash.byissues.gif" width="622" height="55" border="0" usemap="#theIss">
Editor's note: This chart features brief summaries of candidates' viewpoints on some issues, based on their statements and records. Most candidates have offered more comprehensive explanations of their positions on these and other issues. More information may be found on their campaign Web sites.
War in Iraq
Iraqi reconstruction
Pre-emption
policy
Afghanistan
Middle East
Opposes war, especially Bush's approach
Supports internationalization, using Iraq funds domestically
Calls pre-emption wrong; supports more-inclusive diplomacy
Stresses need to beat al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden
No public stand, but supports greater use of diplomacy
Slams unilateralism, poor planning; empower Iraqis, other nations
Invest time, resources so reconstruction, reform succeeds
Reserve right to strike, but military action always last resort
Resolve "unfinished business" militarily, economically
Enhance role of Egypt, Jordan, other neighboring nations in talks
Opposed U.S.-led war from the outset
Increase international cooperation, role in Iraq
End President Bush's "first strike" policy
Backed invasion; calls for more resources, troops
Become more fully engaged with Israelis, Palestinians
Supported the war
Wants other countries, institutions to join reconstruction
Military force should be last resort, not first
Int'l peacekeeping force must be expanded in size, scope
U.S. must help Middle East nations move toward democracy
Supported war, but believes Bush wrong for skirting U.N.
Seek U.N., NATO assistance securing Iraq peace, stability
Opposes pre-emption; for securing dangerous materials worldwide
Backed war against Taliban; says U.S. must follow through
Supports economic, military aid to, solidarity with Israel
Opposed war, saying it took attention from war on terror
Would boost international role, institute Iraqi-led rule
Favors pre-emptive strikes on terrorism-related targets
Would focus attention, resources on al Qaeda in Afghanistan
Would target Hamas, Hezbollah and, by connection, Syria
Supported the war; later said Bush misled nation
Involve other nations more in Iraqi rebuilding, security
Denounces threat of pre-emption; would seek global consensus
Boost international efforts to secure peace, beat al Qaeda
Improve social, economic, political conditions in region
Opposed U.S.-led war from the outset
Turn over control of Iraq rebuilding effort to the U.N.
Rejects President Bush's "first strike" doctrine
Opposed war in Afghanistan
Emphasizes Palestinians right to self-determination
Supported the war, helped write resolution authorizing
Supports International Security Force in Iraq
For pre-empting terrorists, coercing supporting governments
For continued involvement, with allies, in Afghanistan
Advocates more pressure on Palestinians to renounce terrorism
Opposed U.S.-led war
Favors multinational strategy via the U.N.
Opposes the doctrine; calls it un-American
No public position available
Would create "real relationship" with allies in Arab world
Authorized war to oust Saddam Hussein regime
Initially opposed U.N. involvement; now warming to idea
Announced new policy of pre-emption in June 2002
More than $1 billion proposed for reconstruction
Co-sponsored "Road map" plan for peace process
War in Iraq
Iraqi reconstruction
Pre-emption policy
Afghanistan
Middle East
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NOTE
• AG: Attorney General; ANWR: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; CAFÉ: Standards that provide tax and other incentives for consumers to purchase and alternative fuel vehicles; COPS: Community Oriented Policing Program; DOMA: Defense of Marriage Act; GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered; NCLB: No Child Left Behind; NMD: National Missile Defense.
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