Secret Court to Govern Wiretapping Plan  —  The Justice Department announced today that the National Security Agency's controversial warrantless surveillance program has been placed under the authority of a secret surveillance court, marking an abrupt change in approach by the Bush administration after more than a year of heated debate.

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Dodd Introduces Bill to Cap U.S. Troops in Iraq  —  Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) announced legislation today capping the number of troops in Iraq at roughly 130,000, saying that lawmakers should take an up-or-down vote on President Bush's plan to send additional troops to the country …

An Apology to Detainees' Attorneys  —  During a radio interview last week, I brought up the topic of pro bono work and habeas corpus representation of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Regrettably, my comments left the impression that I question the integrity of those engaged in the zealous defense of detainees in Guantanamo.

As Trial Begins, Cheney's Ex-Aide Is Still a Puzzle  —  Paradox seems to define I. Lewis Libby Jr., who remains a bit mysterious even to close colleagues.  He is the White House policy enforcer who also wrote a literary novel; a buttoned-down Washington lawyer who likes knocking back tequila shots …

Never About Right and Wrong  —  Today's blogospheric set-to, the argument over what it means if you were right or wrong about the war in Iraq.  Megan McArdle argues that many of the doves were right for the wrong reasons and notes that hawks often are reluctant to admit error given the reception they receive if they do.

Iowa Dems favor Edwards, GOP Favors Giuliani, McCain  —  Zogby's Road To New Hampshire telephone polling series kicks off with Hillary in a second-tier dogfight and Republicans split between conservative Gingrich and moderate candidates  —  Zogby's Newest Polling Packages Available Now for Purchase …

U.S. officials: Cheney was kept in the loop on Israel-Syria talks  —  Senior American government officials received regular reports of the secret meetings that took place in Europe between a former Israeli official and a Syrian representative, Haaretz has learned.

Crude Oil Rises After Failing to Break Through $50 a Barrel  —  Jan. 17 (Bloomberg) — Crude oil rebounded after failing to break through $50 a barrel in New York as cold weather moved into the Northeast.  —  Futures approached $50 in early trading today.  Below-normal temperatures will cover …

What's Wrong With Vocational School?  —  Too many Americans are going to college.  —  The topic yesterday was education and children in the lower half of the intelligence distribution.  Today I turn to the upper half, people with IQs of 100 or higher.  Today's simple truth is that far …

Frist looking at governor run in 2010  —  Former Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is seriously considering a gubernatorial run in Tennessee in 2010, possibly setting up a White House bid further down the road.  —  Sources in Washington and Tennessee say Frist, who will turn 55 next month …

Taliban Leader Is Hiding and Being Protected in Pakistan, Says Spokesman  —  Maddy Sauer and Gretchen Peters Report:  —  Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar is alive and well and living in Pakistan under the protection of the Pakistan intelligence agency, according to the captured spokesman for the Taliban, Mohammad Hanif.

Shakeup: Kerry spokesman plays down staff changes, but admits they may be factor in 2008  —  Kerry hires two more at DC office, promotes communications chief  —  The Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee has added two new members to his Washington Senate staff and promoted his Communications Director …

Don Tancredo  —  One of the more amusing aspects of any presidential campaign is the people who believe they have a chance to win the nomination.  This year, we already have one from each party.  The Democrats have Chris Dodd, a man so non-descript that even his own constituents have trouble recognizing him.

Oil Lease Chief Knew of Error, Report Asserts  —  A top Interior Department official was told nearly three years ago about a legal blunder that allowed drilling companies to avoid billions of dollars in payments for oil and gas pumped from publicly owned waters, a report by the department's chief independent investigator has found.