Why the Iraq war is turning into America's defeat  —  The week's news from Iraq: According to the state television network, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, was wounded in a clash with security forces just north of Baghdad.  A senior deputy was killed.

Senate Democrats promise `relentless' flood of anti-war legislation  —  WASHINGTON - After Republicans blocked a Senate debate for a second time, Democrats said Saturday they'll drop efforts to pass a non-binding resolution opposing President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq and instead will offer …

Clinton urges start of Iraq pullout in 90 days  —  U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the early front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has called for a 90-day deadline to start pulling American troops from Iraq.  —  Clinton, the wife of former President Bill Clinton …

Poll: Giuliani Leads McCain For GOP Nod  —  CBS News Poll Finds Favorable Ratings For Both, But Rudy Leads  —  (CBS) Senator John McCain of Arizona and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani - two of the front-runners for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2008 …

A Man of Mystery  —  Richard Hohlt is the heavy hitter you've never heard of.  —  Robert Novak, as usual, had a scoop to unload—only this time, it was from the witness stand.  Testifying last week in the trial of Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis (Scooter) …

Tear It Down  —  It'll be unfair to him and to Mormons, but I hope the candidacy of Mitt Romney helps us put a stop to this "people of faith" nonsense.  It's time to retire the phrase and the concept.  Not that I have any sympathy for Romney, who said:

Experts Speak: No Good Military Options in Iran  —  ThinkProgress has created a graphic database featuring quotes from prominent analysts and officials who believe there are no good military options in Iran.  The document will be updated as more experts weigh in — if we're missing someone, let us know HERE or in the comments section.

Tony Snow, Chuck Hagel, Jack Reed, Richard Engel  —  A showdown this weekend on Iraq in both the House and Senate.  We'll get exclusive reaction from White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and then speak with two Senators opposed to the president's troop surge - Republican Chuck Hagel …

Hume: Murtha Is Senile, Doesn't Have 'The Foggiest Awareness' Of What's Going On In The World  —  This morning on Fox News, Brit Hume launched a scathing diatribe against Rep. John Murtha's (D-PA) character.  "It's time a few things be said about him," Hume said.

The good old days of the Cold War  —  Don't wax too nostalgic — the world was once a much more dangerous place.  —  IT WAS FUNNY, in a grim sort of way.  Last week, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates responded to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin's polemical attack on the United States …

Iran: US 'will lose in Middle East'  —  The United States will not achieve its goals in the Middle East, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned on state television.  —  "Realities in the region show that the arrogant front, headed by US and its allies …

Asteroid threat demands response, experts warn  —  Kamchatkans and Venezuelans beware.  A 20-million-tonne asteroid could be heading your way.  Californians have even more reason to worry - the asteroid is more likely to hit the Pacific Ocean, triggering a tsunami that could devastate the west coast of North America.

Cuba honors American who made Castro a legend  —  HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba unveiled a marble plaque on Saturday commemorating the interview 50 years ago by New York Times reporter Herbert Matthews that helped build the legend of Fidel Castro, the state news agency Prensa Latina reported.

Barbara Comstock Named Washington Post Editor?  —  How else are we to explain the editorial decisions to propel Byron York's inept and hapless crayon scribblings yesterday, followed by the propagandistic, defamatory rantings of longtime Barbara Comstock sister in crime Victoria Toensing today?