Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will travel to France, Germany, Israel, Jordan, and the United Kingdom in July, his campaign announced over the weekend. The trip will be “an important opportunity for me to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face,” Obama said.

Obama and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) both discussed their plans for comprehensive immigration reform (LAT) before the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials over the weekend. McCain promised to address the issue of illegal immigration “in a humane and compassionate fashion.” Both candidates called for tighter border security, but, Obama said, “If we think that a wall is the sole solution to the problem, then we’re not thinking it through.”

The Boston Globe looks at McCain’s reputation as both a strong critic of the military and a defense hawk.

Both presidential candidates responded on Thursday to the news that North Korea disclosed details of its nuclear program. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) called the declaration “a step forward” (AFP), but said the United States should continue to maintain sanctions as “a critical part of our leverage to pressure North Korea to act.” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) also called the declaration a “modest step forward” but said the United States must “keep diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to meet all of its obligations under the Six Party agreement, including denuclearization.”

IRAQ: Obama spoke to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani Thursday. In a statement, Obama said he and Talabani discussed “the security situation in Iraq, and the political accommodation that is necessary for long-term stability.” They also discussed ongoing negotiations over a Status of Forces Agreement and the Strategic Framework Agreement, which, Obama said, “must be subject to congressional approval, and done in the context of planning for a responsible removal of American troops.”

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) on Wednesday detailed his comprehensive energy policy plan, which he is calling the “Lexington Project.” In a speech, McCain said the energy plan will allow the United States to “achieve strategic independence by 2025.”

Speaking to reporters in Chicago on Wednesday, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) called for a second economic stimulus rebate package to help Americans deal with high gas prices.

Obama’s relationship with domestic automakers has been strained due to his calls for more fuel efficient cars, but his meetings this week with CEOs of Ford and General Motors may indicate a “thaw” in that tension, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has kept energy policy in the headlines this week, giving several major speeches laying out his plans to help reduce high gas prices and begin to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil. He has proposed several controversial policy moves, including a $300 million “prize” to whomever can substantially improve car battery technology, a gas tax holiday, and a cap-and-trade system of carbon regulation. McCain has also called for the opening of domestic oil exploration, which he says will “prove to the world that we will no longer be subject to the whims of others than to expand our production capabilities.” But will such exploration significantly lower fuel prices? In a new CFR.org Online Debate, two energy policy experts discuss that question.

For more on the candidates’ energy policy plans, read this CFR.org Issue Tracker on the topic.

The Los Angeles Times reports that anti-illegal immigration activist groups have had to reshape their national strategy since neither of the remaining presidential candidates represents their position well.

The Washington Post looks at the evolution of Sen. Barack Obama’s position on ethanol.

The BBC interviews the Vietnamese man who was in charge of the Hoa Lo prison where Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was held captive for more than five years.