Thousands of protesters - many directing their anger squarely at US President Barack Obama - marched through the nation's capital on Saturday to urge immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Victory within reach, US President Barack Obama exhorted House Democrats on Saturday to stay true to their party's legacy and make history by bringing health insurance to millions of struggling families now left out.

The U.S. needs major changes to its financial system so consumers are better protected, banks fortified and the economy safeguarded from sliding into another Depression, President Barack Obama said on Saturday.

The US has made it clear that its first strategic dialogue with Pakistan next week is not being held at India's expense, even as it said it is "pleased" that army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is part of Islamabad's delegation as there can be no such talks without the military participation.

One by one, House Democratic fence-sitters began choosing sides on Friday, and the long, turbulent struggle over landmark health care legislation tilted unmistakably in US President Barack Obama's direction.