'War on terror' stalks 2008 campaign trail

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The fate of President George W. Bush's global "war on terror" is on the line, as the 2008 White House race heats up and Democratic and Republican hopefuls feud over how to keep Americans safe.

Republicans endorse Bush's approach, warning of the stark menace of Islamic fundamentalism, and agree with the president's view that Iraq is a central front of the struggle.

Adopting Bush's 2004 election playbook, they also accuse Democrats of failing to even comprehend the mortal threat from terrorism.

Democrats, while vowing to avenge any future attacks, accuse Bush of botching the anti-terror fight, and argue Iraq was a disastrous diversion.