The New York Times on its Jan. 2 edition about the position of presidential candidates wrote: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton foresees a “remaining military as well as political mission” in Iraq, and says that if elected president, she would keep a reduced military force there to deter Iranian aggression.

She also said: there were “remaining vital national security interests in Iraq” that would require a continuing deployment of American troops.

In broad terms, Mrs. Clinton’s strategy is to focus on trying to prevent the strife from spreading throughout the region, and to prevent Iraq’s neighbors interfere in Iraq.

Another candidate Senator Barack Obama said that Iran had been “acting irresponsibly” by supporting Shiite militant groups in Iraq. He also emphasized that Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program and its support for “terrorist activities” were serious concerns.
Sen. Obama says he would “engage in aggressive personal diplomacy” with Iran if elected.