TEXAS governor Rick Perry has ridden a wave of anti-government sentiment to top a crowded field of Republicans who want to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012.

US president George Bush plans to bring 60,000 to 70,000 US troops home from Europe and Asia – in one of the largest troop realignments since the end of the Cold War.

US Vice President Dick Cheney has warned of grave consequences from not acting quickly against Saddam Hussein.