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U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says the United Nations will remain in Iraq, despite an attack on its headquarters in Baghdad that killed its top envoy and at least 20 others. Analysts say the bombing may signal a shift in tactics by groups opposed to the American occupation of Iraq, with attackers now targeting civilians. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and NPR's Eric Westervelt.

A powerful explosion rips apart a mosque during Friday prayer services in Najaf, Iraq, killing Shiite leader Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim. The attack on one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims took a high death toll. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

In a speech to the nation, President Bush says Iraq is now "the central front" in the U.S. war on terrorism -- and that he "will spend what is necessary" to win the war. He says he will ask Congress for $87 billion to support the effort in the coming year. He urges U.S. allies to help with security in Iraq. Hear the speech, and coverage anchored by NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Two more U.S. soldiers are killed in Iraq -- one in an area controlled by Shiites that has until now been relatively calm. And an American special operations soldier dies after a "hostile fire" incident in Afghanistan. A U.S. plea for military help from U.N. allies to restore order in Iraq is not gaining much support. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

A bomb explodes at the offices of one of Iraq's most important Shiite Muslim groups in Najaf, killing three people. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq says it was the target of a bombing. And in Baghdad, the International Committee of the Red Cross says it will scale back operations due to the lack of security. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and Mideast expert Graham Fuller.

An independent investigation board determines the Feb. 1 Columbia disaster was caused in part by mismanagement within NASA, and recommends changes the space agency should make before resuming shuttle flights. Some analysts say fixing NASA's culture will be the most difficult of space agency changes. Hear NPR's Richard Harris and Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).

A Washington Post report reveals that Halliburton -- formerly headed by Vice President Dick Cheney -- has received Pentagon contracts worth $1.7 billion to aid in the rebuilding of Iraq. The contracts cover everything from building construction to logistical support. Hear Post reporter Michael Dobbs.

U.S. forces accidentally open fire on Iraqi police apparently involved in a high-speed car chase, killing at least eight Iraqis and a Jordanian hospital worker. The incident occurs in Fallujah, a hotbed of resistance to U.S. forces. Two U.S. soldiers are killed in a separate incident in a nearby town. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Deep divisions remain within the U.N. Security Council over the political future of Iraq. Foreign ministers from the five nations met Saturday to work on a U.N. resolution that the U.S. hopes would pave the way for other countries to contribute to peacekeeping and reconstruction of Iraq. But there was no breakthrough. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

Testifying before a Senate panel, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard Meyers say more money is essential for military operations and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lawmakers question the administration's request for $87 billion and say it is a "bitter pill to swallow." Hear NPR's David Welna.