So many troop numbers and names are swirling in the news and President Bush's team canvasses Washington and the Middle East to rally support for the new Iraq plan. Here’s a who's who and what's what to navigate the news, and find clarity in the speech hangover.

Names in the news
Nouri Kamal al-Maliki is the Prime Minister of Iraq. You’ll be hearing a lot about him as President Bush says he helped pen the new plan, a point that seems to be up for debate. He’s under pressure to quell the violence in Iraq. Al-Maliki is a Shiite, and some worry about what that means for the Sunnis in the sectarian power struggle, and his ability to control the Shia militias. Remember, there are more Shiites than Sunnis in Iraq but the Sunnis had more control under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Now, it’s just the opposite.

Robert Gates is the new Donald Rumsfeld, or U.S. Defense Secretary. He’s among those making the rounds on the Hill and says “no one really has a clear idea of how long” the troop increase may last. The more familiar Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, is off to the Middle East to push the plan after a rough day before Senate and House committees.

The numbers
More than 21,500 additional troops are committed to Iraq. But don't be confused by the 92,000 number you'll also see, which is how many troops Gates is recommending to pump up the overall military over the next five years.

President Bush seeks $5.6 billion in funding from Congress to support the troop surge and $1.1 billion to fund Iraqi infrastructure. He’ll get it because no one wants to deny support to the troops though you might see a resolution or two opposing the troop increase—mainly for political show. Otherwise, the Iraqis will put up $10 billion for reconstruction and jobs. Total cost of war for the U.S. so far? $400 billion.

The big picture
The new plan shirks recommendations made just weeks ago by the Iraq Study Group, the non-partisan group that was commissioned in March 2006 to research and assess the war and its impact in the region. The group recommended a temporary increase in troops with plans to begin pulling out in early 2008. Will more troops help? Some say anything can help, and some Sunnis welcome more support. Question is, will it really help if you can’t find your enemy?