US Democratic presidential contenders sought to underscore their differences with Republicans on gay and lesbian rights, but leading candidates also faced sharp questions on their reluctance to embrace marriage for same-sex couples.

US president George Bush’s new plan to send more troops to Iraq is getting a chilly reception in Congress.

The top Russian and US military officers met in Moscow today to discuss bi-lateral military ties, and the Russian general said the day’s talks would end in the signing of a plan for closer co-operation.

Pentagon officials have released a video depicting a human victim of the bombing for the first time since the campaign began.