Blasts Destroy Remnants of Samarra Shiite Shrine  —  Early morning blasts Wednesday destroyed two minarets at the same Shiite shrine in Samarra where an attack last year demolished the mosque's gilded dome and plunged the country into a wave of deadly sectarian violence.

14 Palestinians killed as Hamas nears complete Gaza conquest  —  At least 14 Palestinians were killed by Hamas fire Wednesday, including 13 members of Fatah, as Hamas was on the verge of completing its conquest of the Gaza Strip.  —  Hamas is now in control of southern, central …

Our Common Struggle  —  America had its civil war.  Why expect freedom to come easy to Iraq?  —  BAGHDAD, Iraq—Americans keen to understand the ongoing struggle for a new Iraq can be guided by the example of their own history.  In the 1860s, your country fought a great struggle of its own …

Large majority supports path to citizenship  —  A poll finds 63% of all respondents, and 65% of Republicans, back the controversial measure.  —  WASHINGTON — A strong majority of Americans — including nearly two-thirds of Republicans — favor allowing illegal immigrants to become citizens …

Broward may cancel deal with radio station because it airs Rush Limbaugh  —  Rush Limbaugh has long been a thorn in the side of liberals, but now, because of him, some Democratic politicians don't even want to join with a local radio station to broadcast hurricane information.

The Progressive Case for a Libby Pardon  —  All the views expressed in this post are those of the author and not of any client of his firm.  —  Until a very short while ago, few had heard of Scooter Libby.  Today, still not a celebrity with the larger public, he carries on his shoulders …

Rivals try to deflate F. Thompson campaign  —  Fred Thompson has had a relatively easy ride as he has flirted with a bid for the Republican presidential nomination.  His strategists have found traction promoting him as the heir to Ronald Reagan — and a conservative alternative to the top tier of the GOP field.

Not departing is such sweet sorrow  —  The US's new plan for Iraq is to withdraw all but a 'post-occupation' troop force in 2009.  But can you spot the oxymoron?  —  Everyone knows that the occupation of Iraq ended at 10.26am, June 28, 2004.  In a hastily convened ceremony …

Dan Rather Takes On Network News With His Tart Remark  —  "It may not have been the wisest thing I've done this week," Dan Rather joked yesterday by phone from his office in New York.  —  Wise or not, the former CBS anchor's comments about the network's evening newscast have created a firestorm …

The Progressive Majority: Why a Conservative America is a Myth  —  For anyone interested in where the American public really stands on the big issues that distinguish progressives from conservatives — including the issues at the forefront of today's political debates — "The Progressive Majority …

Lebanese lawmaker killed in blast … BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) — A member of the Lebanese parliament was killed in an explosion Wednesday outside a Beirut military sports club in what hospital sources said was an assassination.  —  Lawmaker Walid Eido, known as a foe of Syrian involvement in Lebanon …

Don't run, Al.  Don't!  —  The self-defeating Draft Al campaign is just the tip of the Democrats' woes.  Plus: Paris and Lindsay's mommy problems, and the heyday of Hollywood pizazz.  —  "Run, Al, run!"  —  This chant, according to media reports, is being heard from the crowd wherever former Vice President Al Gore speaks.

Database Is Tool in Deporting Fugitives  —  Police Officers Find Illegal Immigrants In Warrant Searches  —  Hugo Vinicio Hernandez knew that immigration agents could detain him at any time for having disregarded a deportation order in 2001.  But the Guatemalan man didn't think he would wind …

Coleman faces challenge from his former adviser  —  An Iraq war veteran and former adviser to Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) yesterday said he is considering a primary challenge against the lawmaker in 2008.  —  Retired Lt. Col. Joe Repya (R) lost a race for the state Republican Party chairmanship last week …

Clinton can boast wealth of earmarks  —  Presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has secured more earmarks in the fiscal 2008 defense authorization bill than any other Democrat except for panel Chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.).  —  The bill contains about $5.4 billion in earmarks …