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Thousands take to the streets of Najaf, Iraq, mourning the death of more than 100 people -- including key Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim -- in the bombing of one of Islam's most revered shrines -- the Imam Ali Mosque. Hear NPR's Emily Harris, NPR's Jacki Lyden and Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County, Calif.

In a speech to the nation, President Bush says Iraq is now "the central front" in the U.S. war on terrorism -- and that he "will spend what is necessary" to win the war. He says he will ask Congress for $87 billion to support the effort in the coming year. He urges U.S. allies to help with security in Iraq. Hear the speech, and coverage anchored by NPR's Steve Inskeep.

An independent investigation board determines the Feb. 1 Columbia disaster was caused in part by mismanagement within NASA, and recommends changes the space agency should make before resuming shuttle flights. Some analysts say fixing NASA's culture will be the most difficult of space agency changes. Hear NPR's Richard Harris and Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).

Three British troops are killed and another is seriously wounded after coming under small arms fire in Basra, in southern Iraq. Basra is largely populated by Shia who were oppressed by the Saddam Hussein regime and has been relatively calm. But U.S. officials say Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters are moving further south of Baghdad. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

Deep divisions remain within the U.N. Security Council over the political future of Iraq. Foreign ministers from the five nations met Saturday to work on a U.N. resolution that the U.S. hopes would pave the way for other countries to contribute to peacekeeping and reconstruction of Iraq. But there was no breakthrough. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

Testifying before a Senate panel, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard Meyers say more money is essential for military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lawmakers question the administration's request for $87 billion and say it is a "bitter pill to swallow." Hear NPR's David Welna.

In Fallujah, Iraq, crowds angry over a U.S. "friendly fire" incident that killed at least nine people stage angry protests. Meanwhile, in Najaf, the U.S. military seeks to rein in militia force loyal to the slain Shiite cleric Ayatollah Hakim. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay are buried near Tikrit, the former Iraqi dictator's home town. U.S. forces continue to be targets for resistance, with one soldier killed and three wounded in a rocket-propelled grenade attack Friday night. And an Iraqi woman -- apparently a bystander -- dies when U.S. forces fire back after a bomb is thrown at an American military convoy. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

A massive truck bomb rips through a Baghdad hotel that served as the headquarters of the U.N. mission to Iraq. At least 20 people are killed, including U.N. special representative to Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello. More than 100 people are wounded. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

The panel investigating the Columbia disaster releases its final report on what caused the space shuttle to break up Feb. 1. The report confirms the theory that foam debris from the shuttle's fuel tank severely damaged the craft during liftoff. But it lays the ultimate blame on mismanagement at NASA, citing organizational and cultural shortcomings. Hear NPR's David Kestenbaum.