Both President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry have emphasized the importance of rebuilding post-war Iraq. The transfer of power from the U.S.-led government to the Iraqis and the creation of a temporary Iraqi government is a positive step. But daily violence and terror attacks threaten to slow and harm the democratic process. In the week before the transfer of power, attacks in Iraq killed more than 100 people and wounded about 320 others.

The 2000 Presidential elections occurred during a time of relative peace. As Americans deal with difficult news from Iraq, both candidates are talking about their hopes for the future of Iraq and how the U.S. should be involved.

George W. Bush defends his decision to invade Iraq, though no illegal weapons have been found. He maintains that America's campaign in Iraq has played an important role in the war on terror. He also points out that America, and the world, is a safer place now that former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is out of power. Bush has promised to stay the course in Iraq. His goal is to secure national elections by January 2005. His administration also hopes for the election of a permanent Iraqi government by December 2005.

John Kerry supported a law giving President Bush the authority and the money needed to invade Iraq. He later criticized Bush for misleading the American people when no illegal weapons were found. Still, Kerry says the U.S. should continue to play a major role in Iraq's reconstruction. He believes the U.S. needs to do more to encourage other nations to provide troops and financial help. This includes allowing nations that were not a part of the U.S.-led invasion to take on leadership roles and participate in rebuilding.