US Election:JOHN MCCAIN and Barack Obama have both condemned Russia's assault on Georgia. However, the candidates used somewhat different tones to address a conflict that could present major challenges to the next US president, writes Peter Wallsten.
McCain lashed out at Russia's "path of violent aggression" and warned of "severe, long-term negative consequences" for US-Russia relations.
Obama also called for an end to hostilities, but he tempered his comments: "We seek a future of co-operative engagement with the Russian government, and friendship with the Russian people." He said Russia can play its "rightful role as a great nation - but with that role comes the responsibility to act as a force for progress".
Advisers to both campaigns acknowledged that, no matter who wins the Oval Office, the next president will face even greater challenges in fixing what both candidates have called a flawed foreign policy under President George Bush."Both candidates recognise, I'm sure, that this means they will confront an entirely different strategic map of Europe and central Asia than they anticipated," said Richard Holbrooke, a former UN ambassador under president Bill Clinton, who recently began advising the Obama campaign.
"That's because Russia changed the rules of the game," he added.
For McCain and Obama, the war in Georgia has forced a pivot in a campaign where the foreign policy debate has focused primarily on the Middle East.
The next administration will need Moscow's assistance in confronting potential nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea.
McCain had sought to highlight his support for US-Russia co-operation on nuclear security issues - delivering a major address in May, breaking from Bush's foreign policy, embracing a new treaty with Russia to reduce the number of nuclear weapons. He declared: "Russia and the United States are no longer mortal enemies."
However, in recent days McCain has signalled that he intends to focus more on criticism of the Russian government and prime minister Vladimir Putin.
Obama, too, faces challenges as he tries to stake out a more conciliatory foreign policy that includes his willingness to negotiate with enemies. His softer language towards Moscow leaves him open to criticism at a time when the US is clearly aligned with Georgia, an emerging democracy.
But Obama aides say this, in fact, can be an advantage. "There is a fundamental difference, which is senator McCain wants to isolate Russia, and he thinks that is a way to change their behaviour," said an Obama adviser on Russia. - (LA Times-Washington Post service)