Iran, while our national attention has been focused on neighboring Iraq, may become the biggest foreign policy problem facing the United States and its allies.

President Bush and Sen. John Kerry, who hopes to replace him, have arrived at a similar position regarding Iraq. Despite violence and instability, the United States has an obligation to help the country establish order and build a legitimate government.

On Iran, neither has presented a detailed plan. One is sorely needed, and labeling the country part of the “axis of evil” doesn’t count.

Iran’s bellicosity has grown since it was confronted by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which uncovered evidence that the country is violating nonproliferation treaties and is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. The United Nations has talked of sanctions, and Iran has responded with its own threats.

On Monday, relations with the West got worse. Three British patrol boats were seized and eight Royal Navy sailors were detained. The boats were operating in the waters near Iran and Iraq.

The United States and Israel have each said they will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. In 1981, Israel attacked a nuclear facility near Baghdad to slow the pursuit of atomic weapons.

Militarily, it would be difficult for the United States to answer a direct challenge from Iran while trying to maintain stability in Iraq. An Israeli attack could inflame the entire region, causing an escalation of terror.

But Iran poses a particular challenge. While the country is governed by Islamic mullahs running a repressive theocracy, there is a growing democracy and reform movement. Nonetheless, Iran is also a known sponsor of terrorism and, as the Sept. 11 commission has reported, Iran has cooperated with al-Qaida.

Both President Bush and Sen. Kerry should present their policy plans for dealing with the growing storm in Iran. Obviously, details could change along with the situation, but it’s important to know that the men who would lead the country next year are thinking about this problem.

On the foreign policy exam that both men face, Iraq is the obvious question because it is so important right now and requires so many of the country’s resources. But Iran must not be overlooked.

Failing legacy

While the U.S. House of Representatives gives money away in big bags with a new package of corporate tax breaks, it’s too cheap and shortsighted to meet the president’s request to protect the country’s disappearing open spaces.

Last week, the House took a meat ax to President Bush’s request to spend $100 million on the Forest Legacy program, reducing it to just $43 million. Two important projects in Maine were eliminated as part of the cuts: a plan to protect land around Sebago Lake and around Baxter State Park.

The money would have protected the land from development, but allowed timber companies to continue logging. It’s a one-two punch for Maine since it offered protection of an important industry and public access to wilderness areas.

Members of the House leadership have shown themselves tolerant of multi-million dollar indoor rain forests and subsidies for Hooters restaurants elsewhere, but are uninterested in protecting Maine’s natural heritage.

Now it goes to the Senate.

Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins should not support the appropriations bill that includes the cuts until funding is restored. And if they’re looking for offsets, they should be easy to find. The House last week also passed a corporate tax package – $200 billion over the next 10 years – that is heavily weighted with special breaks, including more than $9 billion for tobacco farmers.

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