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Iraq's Shia Muslims have made it clear they intend to play a major role in any new government. But rivalries among Shia leaders have already led to two murders, and the possibility of further violence looms. Najaf -- one of Shia Islam's holiest cities -- has become the focus of intense political maneuvering. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

American forces are holding an estimated 7,000 Iraqi prisoners of war, including more than 30 captured Friday in a fresh battle north of Baghdad. Hundreds more Iraqis taken prisoner have been released because they were not soldiers. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

China's highest court threatens harsh new penalties -- including life in prison -- for anyone caught violating quarantine orders or otherwise intentionally spreading SARS. The move comes as China steps up efforts to battle SARS in rural areas, where poor conditions at health care facilities may make it easier for the virus to spread. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

Addressing members of a Washington think tank, President Bush outlines his vision for Iraq after Saddam Hussein's removal, and predicts that liberating Iraq could help create peace between Israelis and Palestinians. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference prepares for an emergency summit in Qatar to discuss the impending U.S. attack on Iraq. Meanwhile, the six countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council agree to deploy forces in Kuwait to help thwart any Iraqi attack. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

A rocket-propelled grenade attack on a U.S.-protected power plant in Fallujah knocks out more than half of the town's power. Over the past two months, four American soldiers have died and more than 20 others have been wounded in skirmishes with armed Iraqis in the town. NPR's Deborah Amos reports.

The U.S. administration in Iraq is coming under mounting criticism for the slow pace of its efforts to hand over authority to Iraqis. While U.S. officials focus on plans to establish a grass roots political process in Iraq, many Iraqis demand a greater role in governing the country. NPR's Kate Seelye reports.

Senate lawmakers begin discussions on a bill to add a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program. The plan would pay about a third of the $3,000 a year that the average senior spends on prescription drugs. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

American forces in Iraq capture Abid Hamid Mahmud, Saddam Hussein's security chief and No. 4 on the U.S. list of 55 most-wanted Iraqi leaders. And U.S. troops raid farmhouses near the northern city of Tikrit in an effort to root out supporters of the former Baathist regime. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

The Israeli Cabinet voted overnight to expand ground operations in southern Lebanon. Israel Radio reported that the number of ground troops in Lebanon will more than double. Despite growing international calls for a cease-fire, Israeli officials say the offensive against Hezbollah could last for weeks.