Democratic presidential frontrunner and Republican candidate John McCain have clashed in a heated debate over the United States' foreign policy on Iran.

President George Bush sparked the row by inferring in a speech that Democrats were keen to "appease terrorists" – something which Senator Obama hotly denies.

He said: "If George Bush and John McCain want to have a debate about protecting the US, that is a debate that I am happy to have anytime, anyplace.

"That is a debate that I will win, because George Bush and John McCain have a lot to answer for."

Senator Obama added that the war in Iraq is now in is sixth year and Osama bin Laden is still a free man.

In retaliation, Senator McCain said that he would be happy to debate with the Democrat but branded his desire to engage in talks with leaders of nations such as Iran as "naive and reckless".

His comments echo that of President Bush, who told Israel's parliament last Thursday that using diplomacy to negotiate with terrorists was akin to the attempts made to appease Hitler before the second world war.

"It would be a wonderful thing if we lived in a world where we don't have enemies," said Senator McCain.

"But that is not the world we live in and, until Senator Obama understands that reality, the American people have every reason to doubt whether he has the strength, judgment, and determination to keep us safe."

The debate between the two candidates could be a sign of things to come if Senator Obama defeats Senator Hilary Clinton in being elected the Democratic presidential candidate.

Republican voters decided on Senator McCain as their candidate earlier this year.
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