(CNN) -- The flagging economy has been the clear-cut No. 1 issue for this year's presidential race. But some other concerns are just timeless. "Don't underestimate the pull of safety and security in the minds of American voters," said Candy Crowley, host of CNN's "State of the Union" and moderator of last week's presidential debate. "There is no issue closer to home and hearth than the safety and security of your family. That is the most basic question the federal government has to answer." President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney face off Monday night in the last of the three presidential debates, and they will be looking to convince voters that they can protect America and American interests abroad better than their opponent.
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Foreign policy is the focus of the third and last presidential debate Monday night
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Safety, security have always been important issues to the American public
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Decisions on Afghanistan, Iran, Syria might have a major impact on the military
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China's policies are having a direct effect on U.S. economy, jobs
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Here's a look at these likely debate topics and what's at stake for @placeholder.
Obama
@placeholder has promised to withdraw combat troops in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, 13 years after the war began.
Afghanistan
The plan, already under way, is to withdraw troops while gradually handing over power to @placeholder forces.
Syria
"Syria's problems will not stay confined to @placeholder," he said.
Syria
As a result, the sectarian tensions that are being unleashed there are also spilling over from @placeholder's borders."
Obama
@placeholder has been criticized for security failings at the embassy and for not having enough intelligence about the attack, especially in the immediate aftermath.
China
By keeping the value of its yuan low compared to the dollar, China makes its goods cheaper (and more attractive) to American consumers while U.S. goods are more expensive to @placeholder consumers.
China
But a large majority in the poll say the U.S. debt with China is a very serious problem, as is the loss of U.S. jobs to @placeholder and the U.S. trade deficit with China.