As the current situation in Iraq continues to weigh heavily on the minds of the presidential candidates, experts in international affairs say whoever is elected should not forget about other hotspots in the world.

Glenn Palmer, professor of international relations, said other nations that may have nuclear weapons and humanitarian relief in Africa should be on the agenda.

"America's policy toward Iraq and the Middle East, though, sets the tone for our policy in the world," he said. "The implications of our policy here are so huge, that it's hard to imagine a president being a significant figure in these areas without being successful in places such as Iraq and the Middle East."

In the Darfur region of Sudan, a conflict between the Arab-led Sudanese government and the southern rebels led by members of African tribes has been raging since February 2003.

More than 70,000 people have died as a result of killings, famine and disease, and more than 1.5 million people have been displaced, forcing many to flee to neighboring refugee camps in countries such as Chad.

Since then, both President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry have labeled the situation in Sudan genocide.

Bush responded last Saturday by sending a U.S. military deployment to Rwanda to transport Rwandan troops and supplies to Darfur.

Kerry has proposed sending international troops to the region to disarm the militia but has not specifically said he would send U.S. troops.

On Tuesday, The United Nations (U.N.) Security Council voted to hold a meeting in Nairobi on Nov. 18 and 19 to initiate a peace agreement with the Sudanese government and rebels.

But despite calls by international experts and candidates, Bob Shepherd, Centre County Democrats chair, said it is impossible for the United States to be the police for the whole world.

"I doubt the actions of any president could have prevented all those deaths," Shepherd said. "For so long, the Bush administration has not done much in trying to solve the problems here, but the upcoming meeting is a good sign."

The situation in Sudan began when the rebels became upset after feeling they were treated unfairly and discriminated against by the government and other Arabs. The pro-government Janjaweed militia responded and began attacking villages.

Nevin Bapat, professor of international relations, said the U.N. meeting might help but added the problems in Sudan are more serious than some think.

Tensions and conflict go back to 1983, when rebels in the mostly Christian and animist South began fighting with the Arab and Muslim North.

But Bapat agreed with Palmer and said it is virtually impossible to neglect Iraq, despite all the circumstances.

"Right now, the priority is Iraq, and I don't think the president will do anything unpopular now this close to Election Day," Bapat said.

In addition to being critical of Bush's handling of the Darfur conflict, Shepherd has also cited concerns about Bush's handling of other countries besides Iraq that have been suspected of trying to get nuclear weapons. These counties include Pakistan, Iran and North Korea.

During the first presidential debate, both candidates agreed that nuclear proliferation was the largest threat to the security of the United States. Bush took issue, however, when Kerry said he wanted to have bilateral talks with North Korea.

Instead, Bush favored multilateral talks because he wanted countries such as China to have a role in convincing North Korean President Kim Jong Il to get rid of his weapons.

Bush created the Proliferation Security Initiative, an international partnership of more than 60 countries, which prohibits the transit of lethal material.

Thompson said Bush has demonstrated a huge commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the United States, disagreeing sharply with Shepherd, who feels Bush has missed opportunities in the world like Sudan because he was too focused on Iraq.

Another example is the AIDS crisis in Africa.

Both Kerry and Bush support contributions to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. But Kerry's official Web site, www.JohnKerry.com, said Bush has not given enough to effectively help the millions who are suffering in the country.

However, Glenn Thompson, Centre County Republicans chair, said Bush has done a sufficient job.

"What Bush has done for Africa and the HIV/AIDS crisis has reflected his genuine sense of compassion on his foreign politics," he said.

Palmer said that no matter what the foreign policy issue is, it's important for the next president to have some international standing.

"That's why handling issues in Iraq keep coming back," Palmer said. "The president has the power and influence, but there has to be some willingness from others, and I think that's certainly possible."

Where they stand on foreign policy

Bush	Continue his five-year, $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (treating 2 million with life-extending drugs, putting $7 million toward preventing new infections and $10 million to orphans who have been affected by the disease or have lost parents to it). Continue U.S. sponsored U.N. Security Council resolutions with Sudan and support of Africa Union. Supports multilateral talks with Korea and the end of its nuclear weapons program.
Kerry	Supported signing of the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which extends trade and development opportunities to Africa's neediest countries. Supports imposing sanctions on Sudanese government, providing logistical and financial contributions to the Africa Union to enable it to disarm militias and to protect citizens at risk. Supports agreement with Korea with “rigorous verification” that will lead to “complete and irreversible elimination” of its nuclear weapons program; against missile-defense system.