Solidarity  —  Our first duty is to stand together against bin Ladenism.  —  Never mind where I was standing or what I was doing this time five years ago.  (Because really, what could be less pertinent?)  Except that I do remember wondering, with apparent irrelevance, how soon I would be hearing one familiar cliché.

The 2,996 Project  —  I am kicking off 24-hour 9/11 anniversary coverage today with my entry for the 2,996 Project.  —  As I mentioned last month, the project launched by D.C. Roe involves more than 3,000 bloggers who have joined together to commemorate each and every one of the victims of 9/11 on this fifth anniversary.

Situation Called Dire in West Iraq  —  Anbar Is Lost Politically, Marine Analyst Says  —  The chief of intelligence for the Marine Corps in Iraq recently filed an unusual secret report concluding that the prospects for securing that country's western Anbar province are dim …

A Religious and Unconventional War  —  Conventionally, countries fight wars against other countries.  Territory is well-defined, and the objective — unconditional surrender — is clear.  World War II is always a good illustration.  Adolf Hitler's desire for power obviously consumed him.

Worried CIA Officers Buy Legal Insurance  —  Plans Fund Defense In Anti-Terror Cases  —  CIA counterterrorism officers have signed up in growing numbers for a government-reimbursed, private insurance plan that would pay their civil judgments and legal expenses if they are sued or charged …

A new low in Bush-hatred  —  SIX YEARS into the Bush administration, are there any new lows to which the Bush-haters can sink?  —  George W. Bush has been smeared by the left with every insult imaginable.  He has been called a segregationist who yearns to revive Jim Crow and compared ad nauseam to Adolf Hitler.

For Democrats' Hopes, Less Promise in New York  —  Kirsten Gillibrand campaigned with Hillary Rodham Clinton last month.  She is trying to unseat Representative John E. Sweeney, a four-term Republican.  —  In a year when Democrats hope to take control of the House of Representatives …

War's Critics Abetting Terrorists, Cheney Says  —  He Cites Allies' 'Doubts' About U.S. Will  —  Vice President Cheney offered a veiled attack yesterday on critics of the administration's Iraq policy, saying the domestic debate over the war is emboldening adversaries who believe they can undermine the resolve of the American people.

A Ban on Carry-On Luggage  —  In a directive whose logic is not always apparent, the Transportation Security Administration has spelled out what airline passengers can carry on board with them, what must be placed in checked luggage, and what can't go on the plane at all.

Imam casts doubt over existence of bin Laden  —  The leader of Muslim imams in Norway said Monday that many Muslims feel they've been under collective suspicion since September 11, 2001.  He also questioned whether Osama bin Laden actually exists.  —  Imam Zulqarnain Sakandar Madni answered …

Why 9/11 Was So Different  —  There have been a lot of memorable days in our country's history but some of them we'd rather forget.  September 11th, 2001 is one of those.  It isn't a day to celebrate but it's a day we shouldn't forget, either.  —  We need some word other than "holiday" to call some of our memorable days.

Bush's Approval Ratings Slumping Further in Europe  —  President Bush's approval ratings in the United States are nothing to cheer about, but he can count himself lucky that the midterm elections will not be held in Europe.  A comprehensive survey of public opinion in a dozen European nations …

Al-Zawahri: Gulf, Israel next targets  —  CAIRO, Egypt - Osama bin Laden's deputy warned that Persian Gulf countries and Israel would be al-Qaida's next targets, according to a new videotape aired by Arab broadcaster Al-Jazeera on Monday, the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.