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Iran resumes operations at a key nuclear plant, ending two years of inactivity. The U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Iran intended to undertake work on uranium enrichment, which could produce fuel for nuclear weapons. The move sparked sharp criticism from the United States and Europe.

The United States and France join China, Russia, Japan and a score of other nations to confront the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. They are at a conference in Paris to support a new peace force in the war-torn Sudanese region. The conference comes after Sudan agreed to let U.N. peacekeepers into the country.

President Bush uses his State of the Union speech to build a case for war with Iraq, but also addresses economic revival and health care reform. He says Secretary of State Colin Powell will go to the U.N. Security Council on Feb. 5 to explain the U.S. position on Iraq. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea, Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

As the U.S., Britain and Spain abandon efforts to win U.N. approval for a new resolution on Iraq, President Bush prepares to address the nation at 8 p.m. ET. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Bush will issue an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein, that the Iraqi leader leave the country or face war. Meanwhile, all U.S. non-essential personnel are ordered to leave Israel, Syria and Kuwait. Hear NPR News.

As the U.S., Britain and Spain abandon efforts to win U.N. approval for a new resolution on Iraq, President Bush prepares to address the nation at 8 p.m. ET. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Bush will issue an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein, that the Iraqi leader leave the country or face war. And Secretary of State Powell says the "time for diplomacy has passed." Hear NPR's Vicky O'Hara and Michele Kelemen.

The U.S. administrator for Iraq says it could take up to 15 months for a full transfer of power to an Iraqi goverment. Paul Bremer's remarks conflict with the wishes of Iraq's leading Shia cleric, who wants U.N. officials to establish a deadline for general elections. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Deborah Amos.

The Bush administration has asked dozens of countries to contribute troops to help stabilize Iraq. Some countries, such as France and India, say they will not send troops without a clearer U.N. mandate. The administration has run into similar problems asking wealthy European nations to contribute money to rebuild Iraq. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Lawmakers question the Bush administration's $87 billion request for Iraq and Afghanistan, but GOP leaders say they expect congressional approval. U.S. officials say the funds will boost the estimated federal deficit to more than $525 billion. And Secretary of State Powell prepares for a Saturday meeting with the permanent U.N. Security Council members. Hear NPR's David Welna, NPR's John Ydstie and NPR's Vicky O'Hara.

A draft resolution by the United States asking for a greater U.N. role in Iraq is called "insufficient" by France and Germany. At a news conference, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder say the resolution needs to cede more authority in Iraq to the United Nations. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Secretary of State Colin Powell says Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should examine his position and consider what's best for the Haitian people -- a sign U.S. officials want Aristide to consider resigning. Meanwhile, rebel forces advance on Haiti's capital, but the U.N. Security Council says it's not ready to authorize peacekeepers. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen.