Bush, Kerry similar on foreign policy views, different on desired approaches

Pigs and Pearls

Before examining how each campaign addresses foreign policy, it will be helpful to establish what foreign policy is. The Bush campaign would like the war on terror to be included in foreign policy, since Bush prides himself on taking the fight to the terrorists rather than waiting for them. The Kerry campaign considers terrorism to be a homeland security issue, not a foreign policy issue. For the purposes of this analysis, I will side with the Bush campaign and include the war on terror.

That being said, the largest foreign policy issue in this election is not the war on terror, but the war in Iraq. While initially billed as part of the war on terror by the Bush administration, Iraq is a conundrum wrapped up in a dilemma unique to itself. While there are disagreements on what to do about Iraq, there also are disagreements about what is happening in Iraq, which makes gauging success or failure — as well as planning for the future — nearly impossible.

What can be said about Iraq is this: It is not what the administration expected. No flowers in the streets and no populace joyously celebrating freedom from a dictator. It turns out Iraqis are a lot like Americans: "What have you done for me lately?" is the main refrain. People who fear for their security, are unemployed and have irregular utility service do desperate things. Just look at the citizens of New York City and California — they elected Rudy Giuliani mayor and Arnold Schwarzenegger governor!

Kerry’s pledge to involve other nations is ridiculous since no one wants to send troops to fight a war that is unpopular in their own country and in Iraq. Then again, Bush got the British involved, so maybe Kerry can bring the French in. Supposedly they’ve got something in common.

All jokes aside, the only difference between Bush and Kerry on Iraq is that Kerry will bring all the troops home in four years, no matter what, while Bush won’t give an exact timetable in order to not give hope to the insurgents.

On North Korea and its nuclear weapons, Bush wants to talk to Kim Chong-il with China, Russia, Japan and South Korea, while Kerry wants to do that and have direct talks. Bush will make no promises, while Kerry has hinted at exchanging energy incentives for compliance.

On Iran and its nuclear weapons, Kerry wants to work with other nations, which is exactly what Bush says he is doing. Since Iran will be friendlier toward the United States if and only if the troops leave Iraq, don’t expect any progress for the next four years no matter who is elected.

The war on terror also shows no differences between the candidates — Bush has and will continue to hunt terrorists and Kerry repeatedly has said he will kill terrorists. Both sound like they’re planning a safari.

For the voter, the foreign policy choice in this election boils down to style. Bush’s style is quick, decisive action to make America safer that couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks — even the intelligence community. Kerry’s style is deliberate, methodical action that will work to involve as many people as possible and won’t do anything risky. You, the voter, have to decide which style suits the global representative of the United States best.

Adam Sharp is a junior foreign language major.