May 3, 2004 - (Washington) Nuance and tone may be different, but no matter who wins this year's presidential election, political realities will limit the victor's policy options in the U.S. battle against terrorism, political analysts say.

The "war on terror" is a central campaign topic, and President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry have been at pains to highlight their differences while painting the other as weak on security.

But analysts say both men agree on most of the core issues and see stabilizing Iraq (news - web sites), hunting down militants abroad, tightening security at home, and reviewing domestic intelligence as central pillars of the fight.

"The difference between the two on the war on terror is much less than most people think. There might be a difference in emphasis, but not overall gist," said John Hulsman, an analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank.

"Because frankly, it's like (Rolling Stones guitarist) Keith Richards said to Mick Jagger: 'It's bigger than the both of us."'

Analysts and foreign diplomats say that despite differences in approach, political realities such as escalating violence in Iraq, continued militant attacks across the globe, limited resources, the congressional make-up and public opinion at home will dictate Bush and Kerry's security policies.

While Kerry disagrees with Bush's contention that Iraq has always been a centerpiece in the war on terror, the Democratic senator says the United States must create stability there now lest Iraq become a "failed state" and magnet for extremists.

"The government and the world are on an escalator. You can't just stop and say I think I'll get off," said Stephen Hess, an expert on presidential politics at the Brookings Institution.

LITTLE 'MARGIN TO MANEUVER'

One former Bush administration official told Reuters Kerry might wage a more effective war on terror than Bush because he was likely to take a more complex approach, looking at broader threats while coupling military force with "soft power" such as alliance building and a battle for hearts and minds.

Some analysts also say Kerry will seek more alternatives to military force to fight the terrorist threat. Nonetheless, they do not expect a dramatic departure from Bush's security policies if he takes office in January 2005.

"Kerry will be more diplomatic and try to enhance U.S. relations with other countries. But the margin to maneuver on policy in the war on terror is very narrow," an Arab diplomat said.

Even some campaign officials in both camps were hard pressed to summarize major differences in vision for the war on terror, and resorted to charges of unfulfilled pledges or inconsistent policies by the rival candidate.

As outlined on campaign Web sites, the security programs of the two sides appear strikingly similar. Both pledge to stay the course and secure stability in Iraq as part of the battle against extremists. Both say a more peaceful Middle East in general will contribute to U.S. security.

Both plan a review of the U.S. intelligence community, more money for "first responders" like police and firefighters and call for tight domestic security, a continued crackdown on terrorist financing while hunting down terrorists abroad.

Analysts say even the Patriot Act, which critics say expanded police powers too far in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, is unlikely to change much under a President Kerry because of the valuable tools it offers law enforcement.

"It may be a rallying cry politically, but policy-wise, again, I see very little difference," Hulsman said.

Bruce Buchanan, a professor of government at the University of Texas, said that even if Kerry's security policies themselves do not differ significantly from Bush's, he might have an easier time winning the support of other countries.

"The biggest difference is new people, a fresh start, a possible willingness on the part of some allies to reconsider entrenched positions," he said.

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