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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Don Herbert, 89; TV's 'Mr. Wizard' taught science to young baby boomers  —  Don Herbert, who explained the wonderful world of science to millions of young baby boomers on television in the 1950s and '60s as "Mr. Wizard" and did the same for another generation of youngsters on the Nickelodeon cable TV channel in the 1980s, died Tuesday.

Pardon Scooter  —  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 the full weight of charges against the administration in the Wilson/Plame matter.  Convicted of lying, he is not really reviled for that.

Secret UN report condemns US for Middle East failures  —  Envoy's damning verdict revealed as violence takes Gaza closer to civil war  —  The highest ranking UN official in Israel has warned that American pressure has "pummelled into submission" the UN's role as an impartial Middle East negotiator in a damning confidential report.

The Rightosphere Temperature Check For June  —  Right Wing News emailed more than 240 right-of-center bloggers and asked them to answer 8 questions.  The following 52 blogs responded,  —  Aaron's CC, The Absurd Report, The Agitator, The American Princess, Argghhhh!, AtlanticBlog, Bad Example …

Democrats Push Coal-to-Liquids Energy Plan  —  A group of Senate Democrats from coal-rich states is drafting an amendment to proposed energy legislation that would provide as much as $10 billion in federal loans to pay for capturing and storing greenhouse gases produced by plants that would turn coal …