Iraq tops Bush's agenda

2004-11-03 22:45

Washington - President George W Bush heads into his second term with the stabilization of Iraq under a democratic government as his top policy goal.

But he also has unfinished domestic business, including making his sweeping tax cuts permanent, reforming social security, and promoting energy production.

Bush intends to keep a US presence in Iraq until the country is stable and run by a democratically elected government.

He has offered no timeline for withdrawing US forces, but does plan to seek additional help from other countries in securing Iraq while it is rebuilt.

He has ruled out instituting a draft to bolster the US military should the Iraq situation worsen or drag on.

Bush is not likely to abandon his policy of pre-emptive action against potential threats to the United States.

But with Iraq still a big uncertainty, it is not clear whether Bush will devote a greater share of his second-term attention to the worldwide dragnet for Osama bin Laden.

Comprehensive restructuring of US military forces overseas, begun in Bush's first term, is likely to continue.

But experts say it is doubtful that defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld will stick around to see that effort through.

If secretary of state Colin Powell departs as expected, Bush will have to select a new top diplomat.

North Korea

Bush intends to continue using diplomacy to try to halt North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes and is ready to offer assurances he would not use force.

In the Middle East, Bush has affirmed strong support for Israel and its security, but avoided taking stands or providing details on how he intended to advance it or promote agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Oil

At a time of soaring oil prices, Bush is expected to continue promoting new energy production and press congress for laws that encourage development of traditional fossil energy sources - oil, coal and natural gas.

He also is likely to renew his call for congress to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Also look for a continued effort to make it easier to develop oil and gas on federal land.

His hands-off policy on energy prices is expected to continue.

Jobs

There are about 821 000 fewer jobs in the country than when Bush took office in January 2001.

Bush says he can spur economic growth and create jobs by making permanent his four rounds of tax cuts so people could keep and spend more of the money they earn.

He says simplifying the tax code will encourage saving and investment, and he pledges to stop frivolous lawsuits that he claims divert money businesses could spend on new jobs.

Bush plans to create "opportunity zones" to spur investment in needy communities through tax benefits.

He promises to increase federal funding for research and development, and to restrain overall federal spending.

- AP