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. While Obama and McCain have focused on domestic issues, the new president will have to address a multitude of national security concerns once in office. Lindsay, who is currently affiliated with the University of Texas in Austin, noted that the incoming president-elect will be faced with a significant foreign policy agenda, including decisions that will have major implications for American security. Approximately ten days after the election, Bush will host a summit in Washington to address the global economic crisis and initiate talks with other world leaders on financial reforms. The next president, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, will be tasked with managing ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the escalating campaign against al Qaeda militants along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring that North Korea follows through on its pledge to dismantle its nuclear weapons program are also critical issues. Both candidates have pledged to renew efforts towards peace in the Middle East and to provide unwavering support for Israel. Mark Lippert, a foreign policy adviser to Obama, stated that combating terrorism, addressing militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and apprehending or eliminating Osama bin Laden are crucial national security priorities. Obama has committed to ending the Iraq war and strengthening the presence of US troops in Afghanistan. Lippert emphasized that effectively addressing the security situation in Afghanistan and pursuing militants is interconnected with progress in political reconciliation in Iraq and the reduction of troops there. McCain also supports the deployment of more troops in Afghanistan and is against setting a timetable for withdrawal in Iraq, advocating for US troops to stay as long as necessary. Obama's openness to direct communication with US adversaries like Iran and Syria is a significant point of contention. Obama believes that the Bush administration's reluctance to engage with enemies has hindered diplomatic opportunities, while McCain criticizes Obama's proposal for high-level dialogue as being naive. McCain has also called for Russia to be expelled from the Group of Eight due to their conflict with Georgia in August, a move that Obama does not support. Despite both candidates condemning the Russian invasion, McCain has been more outspoken in his criticism. One shared foreign policy goal of Obama and McCain is to mend relationships with old allies, particularly European nations, which were strained during the Bush administration. Despite Obama's popularity overseas, it may not be a cure-all for challenges like getting Europe to increase troop contributions in Afghanistan. Strengthening European alliances could also help in dealing with Russia, according to Lippert. Obama has emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship in advancing interests related to Russia, nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. While McCain has been tougher on Russia and distanced himself from Bush's approach to diplomacy, promising a departure from "cowboy diplomacy." Randy Scheunemann, a key foreign policy adviser to McCain, dismissed the idea that McCain would be more likely to use military force than past US presidents, emphasizing McCain's understanding of the consequences of sending troops into combat. The upcoming economic summit on November 15 will include leaders from the G20, a group that comprises major industrialized nations and growing economies like China, Brazil, and India. It is uncertain whether the president-elect will attend, but both McCain and Obama have highlighted the significance of the US economy in shaping the country's global position. Obama is more careful in his approach to trade, but they both vow to act promptly to enhance the financial regulatory system.