The upcoming US president will be confronted with a challenging array of foreign policy issues, including ongoing wars, the global financial crisis, and the need to improve the country's international reputation. Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain have primarily focused on domestic issues like taxes and healthcare leading up to the November 4 election, putting topics such as the Iranian nuclear situation and Middle East peace on the backburner. However, the winner of the election will inherit numerous national security challenges from President George W. Bush. James Lindsay, a former foreign policy advisor to President Bill Clinton, warns that the next administration must approach these issues cautiously. Lindsay, who is now affiliated with the University of Texas in Austin, stated that the incoming president-elect will face a significant foreign policy agenda with decisions that will have major consequences for American security. A summit will be held in Washington a week and a half after the election to address the global economic crisis and kick off negotiations on financial reforms among world leaders. The next president, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, will be dealing with ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the pursuit of al Qaeda militants along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Other urgent issues include preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring North Korea follows through on dismantling its nuclear weapons program. Both candidates have pledged to prioritize efforts towards achieving Middle East peace and to provide unwavering support for Israel. Mark Lippert, a foreign policy adviser to Obama, emphasized that fighting terrorism, addressing militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and eliminating Osama bin Laden are key national security objectives. Obama has promised to conclude the Iraq war and increase the number of US troops in Afghanistan. Lippert stated that the ability to address the worsening security situation in Afghanistan and pursue militants is connected to progress in political reconciliation in Iraq and the reduction of troops there. McCain also supports the idea of deploying more troops in Afghanistan and opposes setting a timetable for withdrawal in Iraq, believing that US forces should stay as long as necessary. Obama's willingness to engage in direct talks with adversarial countries like Iran and Syria is a significant point of contention. While Obama believes that the Bush administration's reluctance to communicate with enemies has limited diplomatic opportunities, McCain views the Democratic candidate's proposal for high-level dialogue as naive. McCain has proposed removing Russia from the Group of Eight in response to their conflict with Georgia, a move that Obama does not support. Despite both candidates condemning the Russian invasion of Georgia, McCain has been more vocal in his criticism. One common foreign policy goal of Obama and McCain is to improve relationships with traditional allies, particularly European countries, which were strained during the Bush administration. Some experts believe that Obama's popularity overseas could give him an initial advantage in this effort, although it will not solve challenges like getting Europe to provide more troops for Afghanistan. Strengthening alliances with Europe could also help in dealing with Russia, according to Lippert. Obama has emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship in advancing US interests in various areas such as nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. While McCain has taken a tougher stance on Russia and made jokes about bombing Iran, he has promised to move away from the current administration's aggressive diplomatic approach. Randy Scheunemann, McCain's top foreign policy adviser, stated in an interview last month that it is a misrepresentation to suggest that McCain, a senator from Arizona and former prisoner of war, would be more prone to using military force than previous US presidents. Scheunemann emphasized that McCain comprehends the gravity of sending men and women in uniform into dangerous situations. The economic summit scheduled for November 15 by Bush will convene leaders from the G20, which comprises major industrialized nations and key emerging economies such as China, Brazil, and India. While the president-elect will have some input, it remains uncertain whether he will attend. Both McCain and Obama have underscored the significance of the US economy in shaping the country's global standing. Obama is more careful about trade, but both candidates pledge to act swiftly in order to enhance the financial regulatory system.