Taliban chief's death a big U.S. victory  —  KABUL, Afghanistan — The killing of the top Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, a one-legged fighter who orchestrated suicide attacks, beheadings and an ethnic massacre, marks a major victory for the U.S. campaign at a time of flagging Afghan support over civilian killings.

Bush's Relations With Capitol Hill Chilly  —  Despite President's Efforts to Reach Out, Democrats and Republicans Are Wary  —  Every few weeks, President Bush invites House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and their GOP counterparts to the White House …

Hagel: Republican Meeting With Bush Is 'Just The Tip Of The Iceberg' Of Conservative Dissent  —  Last week, a group of 11 congressional Republicans met with President Bush to express their frustration with the state of the Iraq war, pleading with Bush to change his unpopular Iraq policy.

Padilla case has changed a lot in 5 years  —  The trial of the onetime 'dirty bomb' suspect is opening.  An alleged jihad application may be key.  —  MIAMI — When federal prosecutors begin to present evidence Monday against terrorism suspect Jose Padilla, their case is expected to rest heavily …