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Israel's Security Cabinet approves a wider ground offensive in south Lebanon, authorizing troops to push to the Litani River some 18 miles into Lebanon. Israel says the operation should last about 30 days. Currently, 10,000 soldiers are fighting Hezbollah in a narrow band of Lebanese territory that is about four miles deep.

Most of the 17 suspects arrested over the weekend for allegedly plotting terrorist acts in Canada appeared in an Ontario court Tuesday. But bail hearings were delayed when defense lawyers asked for more time to prepare. According to charges made public in court, at least one of the suspects plotted to storm Canada's parliament and behead officials.

U.S. Episcopalians elect a woman to head the more than 2-million-member denomination. Katharine Jefferts Schori of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada is the first female bishop to head the national churches in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The World Health Organization lifts its warning against travel to Toronto, citing improved measures to stop the spread of SARS. But travel advisories remain in effect for Hong Kong and several provinces in China, where more than 150 people have died after contracting the disease. Hear NPR's Joanne Silberner and Laurie Garrett of Newsday.

The SARS death toll in Toronto reaches 21, but Canadian officials say the outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease is under control. They cite a decline in the number of people in quarantine, a decrease in new cases. But hospitals fear the spread of SARS among employees. Hear NPR's Richard Knox.

More than 200 Iraqi delegates agree during a U.S.-led meeting in Baghdad to meet again within a month to select members of an interim government. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is considering moving a key base for U.S. air operations from Saudi Arabia to Qatar. Hear reports from NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.

Private companies, including those from the steel, telecommunications and construction industries, gather for a conference on Iraq's reconstruction. Equity International, which sponsored the meeting, has organized similar meetings after wars in the Balkans and Afghanistan and says the effort to rebuild Iraq will cost at least $9 billion. Hear NPR's Kathleen Schalch.

Anti-Americanism is on the rise in Baghdad -- even as a pro-American politician pleads with Iraqis to be patient at the pace of reconstruction. Tension runs high in Mosul where many remain pro-Saddam. And in Kut, Shia Muslims urge Americans not to overstay. Hear reports from NPR's John Burnett, NPR's Ivan Watson and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Since 2003, the North Carolina-based company Blackwater has provided security services in Iraq. But the Interior Ministry revoked the firm's license Monday following a gun battle in Baghdad that left nine civilians dead.

A U.S. intelligence official says it was Saddam Hussein, and not a double, who appeared in a taped recording on Iraqi TV shortly after he was targeted by a U.S. air strike. But the official says it is unclear when the tape was made and whether Saddam was harmed. NPR's Barbara Bradley Hagerty reports.