What a second term means at home and abroad

HE may have proved divisive in the United States and controversial around the world, but George W Bush succeeded yesterday where his father failed and won a second term as president.

The US electorate appeared to decide that security and consistent leadership in a time of war and terrorism was more important than the "new direction" that most say they want.

Mr Bush's victory over Senator John Kerry came after one of the most bitterly contested election campaigns in history.

Whether those divisions can heal allowing America to prevail in Iraq, repair its economy and bring back millions of jobs lost in recent years remains to be seen.

But what does a second Bush term mean for the US and the world?

Foreign Relations: Mr Bush has made it clear that he is not interested in a global "popularity contest." He will work with allies when he can but was prepared to bypass the United Nations to go to war with Iraq.

Around the globe he is deeply unpopular and global polls have found that, if the rest of the world could vote, he would not have been re-elected.

Mr Bush is likely to request up to $60 billion more for the efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq and he has vowed to maintain those efforts until both countries are free and democratic.

Mr Bush has promised to use diplomacy rather than force to address the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea.

He often speaks of transforming the Middle East and spreading democracy. During a campaign debate he said his foreign policy is shaped by his religious faith.

"I believe that God wants everybody to be free," he said.

If ailing Yasser Arafat is incapacitated or dies, American policy will be re-shaped by his successor. But the first Bush term failed to implement the so-called "road map" to peace, and British diplomats say privately that they have despaired at the lack of US engagement on the issue.

Mr Bush refused to work with Mr Arafat.

Mr Bush has addressed the United Nations and promised to work with its members, but the UN was booed by delegates at the Republican National Convention earlier this year.

Terrorism And Security: Mr Bush has promised to pursue terrorists wherever they hide. And he will also target nations, like pre-war Afghanistan, which harbour them.

He believes that the best way to end terrorism is to spread "freedom" around the world starting with Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mr Bush established the Department of Homeland Security following September 11 and will continue his policy of "pre-emptive strike."

Taxes, Jobs and Economy: Mr Bush has no plans to repeal his tax cut for the highest earners in the US. He has said he wished to "simplify" the tax system.

His biggest economic challenge now is closing, or at least narrowing, a massive budget gap which developed during his first term.

He also needs to create employment. More jobs have been lost under Mr Bush than any other president since Herbert Hoover, who was in office more than 70 years ago.

Energy And Environment: Mr Bush remains in favour of exploring opportunities for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, but said it should be done in an "environmentally sensitive" way.

He reversed a 2000 campaign pledge and opposed mandatory reductions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. He also withdrew from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which aimed to reduce harmful emissions and there will be no change on this stance.

Abortion: Mr Bush opposes abortion, except in cases where a woman becomes pregnant due to rape or incest or finds her life in danger, and this is certain to remain his stance. Some "pro-choice" groups fear that Mr Bush may now go further to restrict abortion rights.

He said recently that he supported laws which would "help reduce the number of abortions."

Death Penalty: Mr Bush remains in favour of the death penalty. When he was Governor of Texas, the state executed 152 people.

Gay Marriage: Mr Bush is opposed to gay marriage and has backed a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

However, he is in favour of allowing states to define civil unions.

Guns: Mr Bush favours granting immunity to gun makers from civil lawsuits. Under his presidency a ban on assault weapons expired, meaning it is now legal to own AK-47s or Uzis with a licence.

He was endorsed by the National Rifle Association.