This is the second in an occasional series outlining the 2008 presidential race and the issues surrounding each candidate.

While all Americans agree the war in Iraq is an important issue for the country, the 2008 presidential hopefuls maintain very divergent plans on how to solve the problem.

Republican nominee John McCain would like to stay in the Middle East and help set up Iraq’s central government, establishing peace. Democratic nominee Barack Obama sharply contrasts McCain’s stance and would begin immediate withdrawal of the troops if signed into office.

McCain supported the January 2007 troop surge, which has shown to be very effective in helping calm the fighting in the East. Critics have attacked Obama regarding his opposition to the surge, which he has been forced to admit has helped quell the violence in the Middle East.

McCain also believes in setting no time-table on the troop withdrawal from Iraq and has made this very clear to the American people. Obama has clearly opposed McCain’s view by promising an immediate withdrawal within 16 months. This stance has brought some criticism to McCain from those who oppose the war in Iraq and want us to pull out.

The democratic senator would launch a diplomatic effort to reach a compact on the stability of the region. The agreement would keep neighboring countries from invading Iraq, secure Iraq’s borders and provide financial aid for Iraq’s reconstruction.

Because of this stance, he has seen criticism because much of this peace compact would ride on Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has expressed his hate for America and Christians. He also believes in eliminating Israel and he has warned that Europeans may pay a large price for their support of Israel.

In essence each of the candidates’ stances is quite simple: McCain is for staying in Iraq and finishing the job, while Obama believes we should begin a pullout of the troops in order to protect the U.S.

For more coverage of the election, read the Sept. 16 article, Election presents controversy, biased coverage.