At-a-glance: New strategy for Iraq

President George W Bush has outlined his new plan for Iraq. Below are some of the key points of the strategy as described by White House officials.

TROOP LEVELS

The US government is committing 21,500 extra troops to Iraq.

Most of them will be deployed in the capital, Baghdad, eventually doubling US presence there. The first brigade will be sent on 15 January, the next on 15 February and additional brigades will be deployed every 30 days to reach the total of five.

The 17,500 troops in Baghdad will act in support of Iraqi troops and have the authority to clear and secure any neighbourhood

Four thousand marines are to be sent to Anbar province, described by Mr Bush as an al-Qaeda base.

More US advisers are to be embedded with Iraqi forces.

COSTS AND ECONOMIC AID

The president will ask Congress for an extra $6.8bn (£3.5bn) to cover the costs of the plan.

Of that sum, $5.6bn will be needed to cover the new deployment.

The remaining $1.2bn is for rebuilding and development, with an emphasis on job creation.

Iraq will also commit $10bn of its own funds to reconstruction.

BENCHMARKS SET FOR IRAQI GOVERNMENT

Completion of an oil law that will lead to revenues being shared among various groups and regions.

Set a date for provincial elections.

Ease de-Baathification policies.

REGIONAL DIPLOMACY

President Bush will call on Iraq's neighbours Iran and Syria to play a constructive role - but he will not propose direct talks with them.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to tour the Middle East, calling on Arab countries to support Iraq's government.