Positions of the likely Republican and Democratic presidential candidates on some Mideast issues: IRAN Republican John McCain (web|news|bio) : Favors tougher sanctions, opposes direct high-level talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Says he hopes disputes with Iran can be resolved peacefully but says all options, including some kind of military strike, must be on the table.

Democrat Barack Obama (web|news|bio) : Initially said he would meet leaders of Iran and other rogue states without preconditions, now says he's not sure "Ahmadinejad is the right person to meet with right now." Says direct diplomacy with Iranian leaders would give U.S. more credibility to press for tougher international sanctions. Says there would be ample preparation for any presidential meeting.

Iraq (web|news)

McCain: Opposes scheduling a troop withdrawal, saying latest strategy is succeeding. Supported decision to go to war, but was early critic of the manner in which administration prosecuted it. Key proponent of the troop increase. Willing to have permanent U.S. peacekeeping forces in Iraq, similar to long-term military presence in South Korea and Japan.

Obama: Spoke against war at start, opposed troop increase. Now says his plan would complete withdrawal of combat troops by end of 2009, four months sooner than his previous commitment. Before that, had said a timetable for completing withdrawal would be irresponsible without knowing what facts he'd face in office.

ISRAEL and PALESTINIANS

McCain: Describes himself as strongly pro-Israel and says he would work to maintain Israel's "qualitative military edge" over Arab states and Iran. Supports President Bush (web|news|bio) 's pledge for $30 billion in U.S. military aid over a decade. Said in March that he supports Jerusalem as "the capital of Israel," suggesting he would support current policy that the U.S. embassy should move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Presidents Clinton and Bush have waived a requirement to move the embassy. Supports negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Obama: Told a pro-Israel lobby group this week that he is a "true friend of Israel" and part of a bipartisan consensus with McCain that is committed to Israel's security. Would go forward with the $30 billion aid plan. Supports the two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian peace and says he would get started on Mideast peace issues immediately, instead of late in his presidency. Says an "undivided" Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel, because other possible solutions are impracticable. Also says the status of the disputed holy city should be a matter for negotiation by both sides.