Islamist Forces in Somalia Are in Retreat  —  Ethiopian-backed forces continued to beat back Islamist fighters in Somalia today, advancing to within 15 miles of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, as diplomatic pressure increased for the Ethiopians to pull out.  —  The African Union …

Islamic forces abandon Somalia's capital  —  MOGADISHU, Somalia - Clan militiamen poured into the streets of Somalia's capital Thursday after the Islamic movement that has controlled Mogadishu for months abandoned the city and government forces advanced to within striking distance.

Sectarian Ties Weaken Duty's Call for Iraq Forces  —  The car parked outside was almost certainly a tool of the Sunni insurgency.  It was pocked with bullet holes and bore fake license plates.  The trunk had cases of unused sniper bullets and a notice to a Shiite family telling them to abandon their home.

Reid On Ford Funeral: I'm Busy  —  The death of a former President usually means that the leadership of all three branches of the government gather to mourn on behalf of the nation and to pay final respects to those once chosen to lead it.  These events come rarely and allow for a moment of ceremonial unity in the political world.