Where do the presidential candidates stand on Iraq?
Barack Obama promises to withdraw one or two combat brigades a month until all are out in about 16 months. But he would leave behind forces to guard the US embassy and station a strike force in the region to fight al-Qaida. He would launch an aggressive diplomatic effort with Iran and other neighbouring states. Hillary Clinton has pledged to draw up a withdrawal plan for US forces within the first 60 days of her administration. She opposes permanent bases in Iraq. She has said she would organise an international aid conference for Iraq as well as heightened diplomacy in the region. John McCain, in contrast, argues that a withdrawal would mean a defeat that would embolden al-Qaida. A strong and early advocate of the surge, he has said he is willing to keep troops present in Iraq for 100 years, if casualties remain low.
