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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.

Iraq's governing council debates issues surrounding the handover of power from U.S. forces to Iraqis, scheduled to take place by July 1. Prominent members of the council now oppose the U.S. plan to create an interim administration through caucuses. Instead, many want the council to retain sovereignty until elections can be held. Hear NPR's Deborah Amos.

This past week, former U.S. weapons investigator David Kay told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction before last year's war. Kay also called for an investigation into U.S. intelligence in Iraq. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and Joseph Cirincione of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Anti-American, antiwar protests decrease across the Arab world, but the anger persists. Many Arabs say they're suspicious of U.S. intentions for Iraq. But some Arab pundits say the U.S. victory can lead to positive changes -- not just in Baghdad, but feasibly across the Middle East. NPR's Deborah Amos reports from Cairo.

President Bush says he is confident weapons of mass destruction will be found in Iraq, and suggests ordinary Iraqi citizens may provide key information. Meanwhile, about 1,000 weapons and intelligence experts, including former U.N. weapons inspectors, prepare to head to Iraq. Hear Terrence Taylor, a former U.N. weapons inspector.

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.

Thousands of Shiite Muslims protest peacefully at the headquarters of U.S.-led forces in Baghdad, accusing them of doing little to stop a weekend of ethnic bloodshed and a recent attack on a Shiite cleric. In Washington, U.S. civil administrator Paul Bremer says troops face a "growing threat" of terrorism, but that security is "not as bad as people think it is." Hear NPR's Anne Garrels and Bremer.

The remains of U.S. civilian Nick Berg will be flown to the United States Wednesday, a day after an Islamist Web site posted a graphic videotape of his beheading. The video indicated the execution was in revenge for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops. In West Chester, Penn., Berg's hometown, people express sorrow and outrage. NPR's Ari Shapiro 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.