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The war on terror has forced al Qaida to decentralize its global structure. A former FBI counterterrorism agent says al Qaida is an especially flexible organization that has changed its tactics but has the same goal: an attack in the United States. Although no attacks have occurred since Sept. 11, al Qaida is still viewed as the top threat to U.S. national security.

In his second inauguration speech, President Bush invokes the memory of the September 11 terrorist attacks and calls for a renewed dedication to "freedom." He also implores young Americans to "make the choice to serve a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself." Hear NPR's Alex Chadwick and NPR Washington, D.C., editor Ron Elving.

Japan's foreign minister leaves China after meetings about the violent anti-Japanese protests over the last three weeks. Neither side appeared conciliatory, amid disputes over Japanese textbooks' portrayal of Japan's role in World War II and Japan's application for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

Newly released Pentagon files allege children as young as 8 were detained at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. Human-rights groups requested the files under the Freedom of Information Act. The records came out the same day the Pentagon released its own report on abuse by Navy Vice Adm. Albert Church.

Car bomb attacks in Najaf and Karbala killed more than 60 people Sunday, the worst one-day toll since July. In Baghdad, more than 30 gunmen ambushed and executed three election commission workers. Anthony Shadid of the Washington Post discusses the violence with NPR's Renee Montagne.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan plans to take disciplinary action against current and former officials involved in the oil-for-food program for Iraq. Mismanagement of the program -- designed to help Iraqis under U.N. sanctions during Saddam Hussein's rule -- has tarnished the U.N.'s reputation.

In Florida, state and federal officials struggle to bring order out of the chaos left by Hurricane Charley. Some 1 million residents are without power and thousands are homeless, three days after the storm cut a path across Central Florida. Temporary housing is being erected to help those without shelter. NPR's Debbie Elliott reports.

Rep. Richard Gephardt and former Gov. Howard Dean speak at the Democratic Convention, in a show of unity from two of Sen. John Kerry's former rivals. Kerry will be named the Democratic presidential nominee Wednesday. Hear NPR's David Welna.

U.S. gymnast Carly Patterson, 16, nails a stunning routine on the balance beam and turns in a perfect floor exercise to become the first American to win the women's all-around Olympic gymnastics title in 20 years. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Christine Brennan of USA Today.

The 9-11 Commission's recommendations for restructuring intelligence efforts would require major changes to U.S. law, and would also represent the most radical overhaul of the CIA in the history of the agency. But several CIA insiders say reform may be necessary for the greater good of the nation. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports.