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Many are fleeing crime and poverty in Central America and rushing to the U.S.-Mexico border. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas this week called the situation a "stressful challenge."

Congress created several organizations in 1980s to strengthen democratic institutions worldwide. Human rights activists say the freeze is a gift to authoritarians like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. military announces that Iraqi police have arrested Hikmat al-Azzawi, the former Iraqi finance minister and deputy prime minister, and turned him over to U.S. Marines. And a cache of hidden cash is discovered in the walls of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces. Hear NPR's Lynn Neary and NPR's Jackie Northam.

A top commander of U.S. ground forces in Iraq says troops have recovered "documentary evidence" that the country's former regime had an active chemical and biological weapons program. But Lt. Gen. William Wallace says no signs have surfaced that Saddam Hussein's forces deployed the banned weapons for use against U.S. forces. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Ten days into the war in Iraq, U.S. and British senior commanders insist their war strategy is working. Despite weather and logistics problems, commanders say the air campaign has weakened Saddam Hussein's grip on Iraq, and U.S.-led troops have suffered relatively few casualties. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster.

Facing fierce Iraqi resistance, U.S. Army troops enter Baghdad from the south, but do not cross the Tigris River into the center of the city. U.S. officials say the three-hour incursion is exercise in psychological warfare; Maj. Gen. Victor Renuart says it is a "clear statement of the ability of the coalition forces to move into Baghdad at a time and place of their choosing." Hear NPR's Tom Gjelten.

Militants attack the U.S. Consulate in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Monday, killing four security officers. Three of the attackers were also killed. A U.S. embassy spokesman says all Americans at the consulate are safe. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Khaled al-Maeena, editor in chief of Arab News in Jiddah.

Fierce sandstorms near Baghdad reduce visibility and cause delays for U.S. forces advancing toward the capital. The Army's 3rd Infantry Division makes its way within 70 miles of Baghdad; outside the holy city of Najaf, small-scale skirmishes continue between U.S. and Iraqi forces. Hear NPR's John Burnett and NPR's Eric Westervelt.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says elections to choose a new Iraqi government are possible by the end of 2004 -- but only if work begins immediately. Annan, delivering the findings of a U.N. report prepared by envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, added that due to political strife in the country, Iraq might not be ready to hold elections until 2005. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

Another U.S. soldier is shot and killed in Baghdad. More than 30 American troops have died since major combat actions ended in May. Opposition to the U.S. presence appears to be more organized than before, and is fueled by media images of "aggressive" American troops. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Guy Raz.