The upcoming US president will be faced with numerous foreign policy challenges, including ongoing wars, the global financial crisis, and the need to improve the country's international reputation. Despite focusing on domestic issues like taxes and healthcare, candidates Barack Obama and John McCain will have to address critical national security concerns once they take office. James Lindsay, a former foreign policy aide to President Bill Clinton, warned that the next administration should be cautious in their approach to these complex issues. "The incoming president-elect will face a significant foreign policy agenda with critical implications for American security," Lindsay, currently at the University of Texas in Austin, noted. A summit will be convened in Washington by Bush a week and a half after the election to address the global economic crisis and initiate discussions on financial reforms with world leaders. The next president, inaugurated on Jan. 20, will inherit ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the escalating campaign against al Qaeda militants near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring North Korea fulfills its commitment to dismantle its nuclear program are also urgent priorities. Both candidates have pledged to prioritize efforts towards achieving peace in the Middle East and affirm unwavering support for Israel. Mark Lippert, a foreign policy adviser to Obama, stated that combating terrorism, addressing militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and capturing or killing Osama bin Laden are crucial national security priorities. Obama has promised to end the Iraq war and increase the US military presence in Afghanistan. Lippert emphasized that handling the worsening security situation in Afghanistan and going after militants is closely connected to advancing political reconciliation in Iraq and reducing troop numbers there. McCain also supports the idea of deploying more troops in Afghanistan, but he opposes setting a timeline for withdrawal in Iraq, believing that US forces should stay as long as necessary. Obama's readiness to have direct discussions with America's enemies like Iran and Syria is another significant point of contention. Obama believes that the Bush administration's refusal to communicate with adversaries has restricted diplomatic possibilities, while McCain criticizes the Democratic candidate's proposal for high-level dialogues as being too simplistic. McCain has suggested removing Russia from the Group of Eight due to their conflict with Georgia, a move Obama does not support. Although both candidates condemned Russia's invasion following Georgia's attempt to regain control over South Ossetia, McCain expressed stronger disapproval. One common foreign policy goal shared by Obama and McCain is to mend relationships with traditional allies, particularly European countries, that were strained during the Bush administration. Although Obama's popularity overseas may give him an initial advantage, it will not solve challenges like convincing Europe to increase troop contributions in Afghanistan. Strengthening alliances with Europe could provide leverage with Russia and help in addressing various global issues such as nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. While McCain has been tougher on Russia and made jokes about bombing Iran, he has pledged to move away from the current administration's aggressive diplomatic approach. Randy Scheunemann, a top foreign policy adviser to McCain, dismissed the idea that McCain would be more likely to use force than previous US presidents due to his experience as an Arizona senator and former prisoner of war. Scheunemann emphasized McCain's understanding of the consequences of sending men and women in uniform into dangerous situations in an interview. The economic summit on November 15 organized by Bush will include leaders from the G20, which consists of major industrialized nations as well as emerging economies like China, Brazil, and India. It remains uncertain if the president-elect would attend the summit or have any input. Both McCain and Obama have highlighted the importance of the US economy in its global role. Obama takes a more careful approach to trade, but they both pledge to act swiftly to enhance the financial regulatory system.