Search results for

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr remains at an impasse with Iraqi government authorities. U.S. forces surround the Najaf mosque which Sadr's fighters have occupied. Some are hopeful Sadr will leave the shrine of Imam Ali soon, as promised. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post.

President Bush tells the U.N. General Assembly that his decision to go to war in Iraq has made the world safer. Bush stresses U.S. humanitarian efforts around the globe and urges the international community to join the war on terrorism. Hear NPR's Vicky O'Hara.

Reports emerge on an Islamic militant Web site that insurgents in Iraq have beheaded another U.S. hostage, Jack Hensley. The group led by Jordanian-born terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi killed one American captive Monday. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Peter Kenyon.

Despite heated campaign rhetoric, proposals on Iraq from the presidential candidates are similar and unlikely to change things soon. President Bush says the United States will exit when the Iraqis can secure their own country. Sen. John Kerry proposes returning troops within four years. Hear NPR's Eric Westervelt.

Pakistani officials have arrested five suspected al Qaeda operatives in various parts of the country in the past few days. Those in custody include two Turkish nationals, an Uzbek and a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. Their seniority within the terror organization is unclear. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

New York City police arrest nearly 1,000 protesters as they try to reach the site of the Republican convention. The marches began in various corners of the city, but police set up barricades to prevent protesters from reaching Madison Square Garden. Hear NPR's Margot Adler.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces far-reaching reforms that he says will strengthen the power of the executive branch in its battle against terrorism. But critics say Putin's already-tight grip on power is part of the problem. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Two Americans and a Briton working for the Middle East-based construction firm Gulf Services Company are kidnapped from their residence in Iraq. More than 120 foreigners have been kidnapped in the country. Hear NPR's Michele Norris talks to NPR's Peter Kenyon.

Senate hearings begin on the nomination of Rep. Porter Goss (R-FL) to head the CIA. Goss faces a Senate panel considering a complete overhaul of U.S. intelligence agencies, and if confirmed as expected, it's unclear what his job will entail. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

U.S. forces enter the town of Samarra, north of Baghdad, for the first time in months, in a bid to reinstate the town council and police force in part of Iraq's rebellious Sunni triangle. U.S. troops clashed with insurgents in nearby Fallujah. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and NPR's Peter Kenyon.