President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to reverse or sharply modify
many of the Bush administration's policies. Based on his campaign
promises, these are key areas where changes are expected.
DEFENSE
Obama has called for a
responsible and phased withdrawal of troops in Iraq
by mid-2010.
For Afghanistan, Obama has said he
would add about 7,000 troops to the U.S. force of 31,000. Pentagon
officials are poised to more than double that increase — saying they
need 15,000 to 20,000 more troops in Afghanistan.
STATE
Obama's
stated willingness to talk with leaders like those in Iran, Syria and
North Korea, may result in increased diplomatic activity in areas where
the Bush administration initially resisted engagement, including
dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
JUSTICE
The
Justice Department will re-examine all surveillance, interrogation and
detainee policies to see if any should be overturned or changed. Obama
has said he wants to close the detention facility at U.S. Naval Base
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, meaning he must decide whether terror suspects
held there now should face military or civilian trials if they are
moved to U.S. jails.