Kerry voices new criticism on Iraq

US presidential challenger John Kerry has stepped up his criticism of George Bush's handling of Iraq and proposed a sweeping national security strategy to combat terror.

"There is still a powerful yearning around the world for an America that listens and leads again - an America that is respected and not just feared," said Mr Kerry.

The Democratic leader vowed to repair damage caused by what he called Mr Bush's goit-alone bullying, although exactly how his foreign policy would differ from Mr Bush's was unclear.

Mr Kerry outlined a security strategy based on four principles: building new US-led alliances; modernising the military; better use of diplomatic and economic power, and less dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

He unveiled his proposal three days after Mr Bush gave a speech to try to ease concerns about Iraq.