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Conducting airstrikes and artillery assaults, U.S. forces clash with Iraqi troops in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit. U.S. military planners had expected remnants of the Iraqi army and Baath party may mount a last stand there, but reports suggest that many soldiers have fled and that defenses in the city are seriously weakened. Hear Michael Ware of Time magazine.

As the United States and allies formally ask the U.N. Security Council to lift sanctions on Iraq, France and Germany question aspects of the resolution and Russia's stance is unclear. Russia's foreign minister shows support for lifting sanctions, but its U.N. ambassador expresses reservations. But Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that the U.N. should complete arms inspections before sanctions are lifted. NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

David Ho, a medical researcher best known for helping to create a "cocktail" treatment for AIDS patients, says there are promising results from tests on the SARS virus. Ho says the SARS virus, which has killed at least 500 and infected more than 7,000 worldwide, may attack people's cells in a manner similar to the AIDS virus. Hear NPR's Joe Palca.

CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency officials say two mobile labs found in northern Iraq are evidence that Saddam Hussein once had a biological weapons program. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld suggests that Iraq may have destroyed its stockpile prior to the U.S.-led invasion. NPR's Tom Gjelten reports.

A new poll indicates a growing number of Americans are concerned at a lack of international support for military action against Iraq. The poll found two-thirds of Americans would back use of force, but only under specific conditions. NPR's Michele Norris talks with Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld holds a news conference after a three-day fact-finding mission to Iraq. He emphasizes progress in restoring order there, but acknowledges ongoing difficulties. He says it's not advisable to send more U.S. troops, though he would support additional foreign troops to maintain control of the nation. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

The U.N. Security Council begins informal consultations on a U.S. resolution aimed at convincing more countries to contribute troops and funds for postwar Iraq. In a major foreign policy address geared toward gaining cooperation, Secretary of State Colin Powell strikes a multilateral tone on U.S. policy for Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Two years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, experts and officials question the war on terrorism, saying it is still unclear whether al Qaeda is gaining or losing influence and strength. Meanwhile, a new videotape attributed to Osama bin Laden and broadcast on the Arab TV network Al-Jazeera praises the Sept. 11 attacks. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster.

In his first-ever visit to Iraq, Secretary of State Colin Powell warns against speeding up the transfer of power to Iraqis, saying the result may be an Iraqi government that fails. Meanwhile, another U.S. soldier is killed and three wounded outside the Iraqi city of Fallujah, where eight Iraqi policemen were killed by U.S. forces on Friday. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

After last-minute revisions, and a push from Russia, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approves a U.S. resolution aimed at additional international help in Iraq. Resolution 1511 is expected to generate financial aid and peacekeeping troops from previously reluctant sources. It also clarifies the U.N. role in reshaping postwar Iraq. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and NPR's Michele Kelemen.