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On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index experienced its largest single-day drop in almost two years. The decline comes on the heels of decreasing consumer spending and slowing job growth. Host Liane Hansen speaks to David Wyss, chief economist for Standard and Poor's, about the cooling off of the U.S. economy.

Now that the U.S. and several allies have pledged $33 billion to help rebuild Iraq, the focus turns to potential troop commitments. The situation on the ground remains dangerous for the U.S.-led force as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. NPR's Jacki Lyden reports.

Donor nations pledge $33 billion to help rebuild Iraq. Organizers of the Madrid donors' conference call it the "most successful" meeting of its kind. But most of the $33 billion was already pledged by the United States, and nearly two-thirds of the additional money comes in the form of loans. Hear NPR's Guy Raz.

Bombs rock towns south and west of Baghdad Tuesday, a day after a series of explosions left dozens dead and more than 200 wounded. Iraq's governing council says the recent surge in attacks shows the need for greater intelligence capabilities -- even if that means hiring officials who used to work in Saddam Hussein’s regime. NPR's Deborah Amos reports.

U.S. administrator Paul Bremer signs off on a plan to overhaul Iraq's Soviet-style economy. The proposal opens up to foreign investment all parts of the country's economy, except its oil industry, and eliminates limits on foreign ownership. Hear Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld appears before the Senate Appropriations Committee to press the case for President Bush's $87 billion funding request for Iraq and Afghanistan. In a lengthy and at times combative session, Rumsfeld argues that money for rebuilding Iraq is just as essential as funds for the military. Hear NPR's David Welna.

It's been a year since Congress gave President Bush a green light to go to war in Iraq. Now, six months after Saddam Hussein was ousted from power, Congress must decide on the president's request for an additional $87 billion -- most of which would be used to pay for Iraq's reconstruction. NPR's David Welna reports.

Rockets strike Baghdad's Al-Rashid Hotel, the temporary home for many U.S. military and civilian personnel in Iraq. The building was damaged, but no injuries were reported. U.S. authorities say projectiles also hit nearby Iraqi homes. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

Stopped short of his target by a barrier and a hail of bullets, a suicide bomber's car explodes near a hotel filled with foreigners, including many Americans. At least six people are killed and dozens wounded outside the Baghdad Hotel, where members of Iraq's Governing Council were also believed to be staying. Hear NPR's Deborah Amos.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is considering cutting back operations in Iraq following the deaths of 12 people at its Baghdad headquarters Monday. Other aid groups are withdrawing staff from Iraq, including Doctors Without Borders and others from Greece and Germany. Hear Marc Joolen of Doctors Without Borders.