Search results for

As fighting continues in Najaf for the fifth day, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr vows to fight to the death. Authorities announced a curfew in part of eastern Baghdad, where Sadr supporters have been battling Iraqi and foreign troops. Meanwhile, five British soldiers were wounded in clashes in the southernmost city of Basra. NPR's Ivan Watson reports.

For the first time, crude oil prices rise above $50 a barrel in world trading, despite efforts by OPEC to calm markets. The price is a response to the slow recovery of U.S. oil production following Hurricane Ivan in Florida and unrest in key producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Nigeria. Hear NPR's Jim Zarroli.

Culture coach Valorie Burton gives advice on what to say — and what not to say — to a friend who's recently lost his or her job.

Melissa Block talks with the co-chairs of the Iraq Study Group: James A. Baker III, former secretary of state; and Lee H. Hamilton, former congressman. Congress formed the Iraq Study Group to give an independent assessment of the current and prospective situation on the ground in Iraq, the surrounding region, and consequences for U.S. interests.

Phil Coyle, a former senior Defense Department official, talks about the difficulties of successfully deploying the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system. North Korea is said to be planning to test launch a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States.

The Bush administration's top housing official announced his resignation Monday. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson says much has been accomplished during his tenure, but critics say they hope the change will bring about policies that will help solve the housing crisis.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, daughter of an executed president and prime minister, was killed in a gun attack and suicide bombing Thursday in Rawalpindi. The 54-year-old was a fixture in Pakistani politics and was the Muslim world's first female prime minister.

Joe Biden brings experience to the Democratic ticket, but he also comes with potential baggage. Senior Washington editor Ron Elving explains why a vice presidential candidate must avoid coming on "too strong."

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former State Atty. Gen. Ronald Burris yesterday as his pick to replace President-elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. Some see the move as a slap in the face to critics who want the governor to resign following allegations of corruption.

A 600-mile journey along the shores of Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast reveals one of the world's most consequential transformations.