Newly re-elected President Barack Obama will once again deal with a divided Congress as Democrats retained control of the US Senate, while Republicans kept their solid majority in the House of Representatives.

AS Barack Obama faces the most crucial day so far in his presidential bid, he spoke about his record as senator, getting things done and what makes a good president.

US military commanders are studying options that could mean more troops in Iraq if violence there widens.

The Pentagon has started stockpiling weapons in the Persian Gulf ready for use in an invasion of Iraq.