Democrats Seek to Repeal 2002 War Authorization  —  Senate Democratic leaders intend to unveil a plan next week to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing the war in Iraq in favor of narrower authority that restricts the military's role and begins withdrawals of combat troops.

Stepping to the Plate, Giuliani Is Seeing Only Softballs  —  In a swing through South Carolina this week, Rudolph W. Giuliani chose to campaign at a fire house, which is a little like Derek Jeter meeting with Yankees fans — a most unlikely forum for hostility, or even much skepticism.

Detour From High Road in Clinton-Obama Clash  —  After weeks of watching in frustration as Senator Barack Obama presented himself as a fresh face gliding above partisan politics, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has drawn Mr. Obama onto a muddy political field, engaging him in a back-and-forth …

U.S. hardens line on talks between Israel and Syria  —  The United States demanded that Israel desist from even exploratory contacts with Syria, of the sort that would test whether Damascus is serious in its declared intentions to hold peace talks with Israel.

Pelosi Seeks Tougher Oversight on Ethics  —  AP Photo FX101  —  WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for tighter ethics rules in federal agencies Wednesday after government officials approved the purchase of a $980,000 vacation home by a top Justice Department lawyer with an oil company lobbyist.

The Real News Behind "The Surge"  —  "More troops" isn't the most significant aspect of the military "surge" in Iraq.  —  Since at least fall 2003, an increase of 5,000 to 10,000 troops over a three-month window has been an option for coalition forces.  For example, deploying a "ready brigade" …

U.S. economy leaving record numbers in severe poverty  —  WASHINGTON - The percentage of poor Americans who are living in severe poverty has reached a 32-year high, millions of working Americans are falling closer to the poverty line and the gulf between the nation's "haves" and "have-nots" continues to widen.

Fears grow over Iran  —  Tony Blair has declared himself at odds with hawks in the US Administration by saying publicly for the first time that it would be wrong to take military action against Iran.  The Prime Minister's comments came hours before the UN's nuclear watchdog raised the stakes in the West's showdown with Tehran.

Arab States, Wary of Iran, Add to Their Arsenals but Still Lean on the U.S.  —  As fears grow over the escalating confrontation between Iran and the West, Arab states across the Persian Gulf have begun a rare show of muscle flexing, publicly advertising a shopping spree for new weapons and openly discussing their security concerns.

For Clinton, New Wealth In Speeches  —  Fees in 6 Years Total Nearly $40 Million  —  Former president Bill Clinton, who came to the White House with modest means and left deeply in debt, has collected nearly $40 million in speaking fees over the past six years, according to interviews …

Labor Seeks Boost From Pro-Union Measure  —  Organized labor is fighting for a pro-union bill as if its life depended on it.  —  Some labor experts say the union movement's ability to reverse its slide could in fact hinge on its winning passage of the bill, which would make it easier for workers to join unions.

Ahmadinejad and Russian Roulette  —  On a sunny day, its cannons shining and its colors flying high, the gunboat slips into the waterway, with awe-struck natives watching from a safe distance.  In the evening, the captain entertains the native chiefs at a sumptuous banquet onboard.