Israel strikes deep into Lebanon  —  Peres estimates end of fighting in a matter of weeks  —  BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) — Israeli troops landed Tuesday near the eastern Lebanese town of Baalbeck, Lebanese security sources said, and the Israeli military engaged in fierce fighting with Hezbollah forces just across the border with Lebanon.

Some slightly uncomfortable questions  —  I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a co-worker, on the concept of the disporportinate Israeli attacks on Lebanon compared to Hezbollah attacks.  He pointed to me his dismay at Hezbollah's rockets ineffeciency at hitting targets.

Republicans Sponsor Green Candidate in Santorum Campaign  —  It's worse than we knew.  Is the Green Party candidacy in the race for Rick Santorum's seat a wholly Republican sponsored affair?  —  As reported today by the AP and the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Green Party managed …

Mel Gibson's Statement  —  Statement From Mel Gibson Asking for Help From Jewish Community  —  Aug 1, 2006 (AP)— Mel Gibson's statement, released to the news media early Tuesday, five days after his drunken driving arrest in Malibu:  —  There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance …

Democrats Scrambling To Organize Voter Turnout  —  Top Democrats are increasingly concerned that they lack an effective plan to turn out voters this fall, creating tension among party leaders and prompting House Democrats to launch a fundraising effort aimed exclusively at mobilizing Democratic partisans.

U.S. Wins Access to Reporter Phone Records  —  A federal prosecutor may inspect the telephone records of two New York Times reporters in an effort to identify their confidential sources, a federal appeals court in New York ruled yesterday.  —  The 2-to-1 decision, from a court historically sympathetic …

Castro's Condition Unknown After Surgery  —  HAVANA (AP) - Fidel Castro, who has wielded absolute power in Cuba for nearly half a century, remained out of sight Tuesday after undergoing intestinal surgery and temporarily turning over power to his brother Raul.

'A Moment of Opportunity'  —  President Bush's "moment of opportunity" in the Middle East is increasingly looking like an opportunity for disaster.  —  Bush's official position is that some blood-spilling in the Middle East is worth it in pursuit of the region's positive transformation.

Rightroots: The Republican Answer To The Lefty Blogosphere's Netroots Endorsed Candidates  —  (This post will be on top of the page all day long.  Scroll down for updates, Click here to see the slate of candidates and here to see their bios.)  —  As you all probably know …

Vets set sights on Murtha  —  The "Swift Boat" veterans who grabbed national headlines in 2004 when they attacked John Kerry in his failed presidential bid now are turning their sights to Johnstown.  —  Their target is U.S. Rep. John Murtha, a critic of the Iraq war and a de facto spokesman …

Robert Fisk Reports From Lebanon on the Israeli Bombing of Qana That Killed 57, Including 37 Children  —  Watch 128k stream Watch 256k stream Read Transcript  —  Help Printer-friendly version Email to a friend Purchase Video/CD  —  Lebanon is marking a national …

Paulson vows to stay on Social Security fight  —  New Treasury chief wants workable solutions, rebuts Democrats on taxes  —  WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Although his two predecessors were carried off the field after bruising political battles, new Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Monday …