Kerry Stakes Out Opposition Stance on War

NEW YORK - President Bush (news - web sites) and Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites) are offering U.S. voters and the world two starkly different views on Iraq (news - web sites). The incumbent tells skeptical foreign leaders the war is part of a global fight on terror and "there is no safety in looking away." The challenger wants allies to help find a way out.

A majority of likely voters agree with Bush that the U.S. should stay as long as it takes to rebuild the nation, polls show. Most believe the president made the right decision in using military force.


But nearly 60 percent say they don't think Bush has a clear plan for resolving the crisis. A growing number are alarmed by the casualties.


Taking advantage of incumbency, Bush defended his policies Tuesday from the cavernous hall of the United Nations (news - web sites), spotlighting every speck of progress in Iraq. Later, in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, the president criticized Kerry.


.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040921/ap_on_el_pr/iraq_two_views&cid=694&ncid=1963&sid=96378798