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The nine Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico for their second debate. Hear NPR's Mara Liasson.

A car bomb that tore apart Iraq's holiest Shiite Muslim mosque Friday killed at least 100 people, authorities say. Among them was Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, a prominent Shiite cleric. Six suspects are being questioned, but their identities and allegiances are unclear. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

Thousands take to the streets of Najaf, Iraq, mourning the death of more than 100 people -- including key Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim -- in the bombing of one of Islam's most revered shrines -- the Imam Ali Mosque. Hear NPR's Emily Harris, NPR's Jacki Lyden and Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County, Calif.

Tens of thousands of Muslims begin a three-day march to mourn Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim, a revered Iraqi Shiite cleric killed by a car-bomb attack Friday. Al-Hakim, a long-time opponent of Saddam Hussein, was one of more than 100 people killed in the bombing of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) confirms that he will seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Kerry has campaigned and raised money for more than a year. The official announcement comes as he trails rival New England Democrat Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor, in early polls for the critical New Hampshire primary. NPR's Anthony Brooks reports.

A Washington Post report reveals that Halliburton -- formerly headed by Vice President Dick Cheney -- has received Pentagon contracts worth $1.7 billion to aid in the rebuilding of Iraq. The contracts cover everything from building construction to logistical support. Hear Post reporter Michael Dobbs.

Two more U.S. soldiers are killed in Iraq -- one in an area controlled by Shiites that has until now been relatively calm. And an American special operations soldier dies after a "hostile fire" incident in Afghanistan. A U.S. plea for military help from U.N. allies to restore order in Iraq is not gaining much support. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

Three British troops are killed and another is seriously wounded after coming under small arms fire in Basra, in southern Iraq. Basra is largely populated by Shia who were oppressed by the Saddam Hussein regime and has been relatively calm. But U.S. officials say Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters are moving further south of Baghdad. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

An independent investigation board determines the Feb. 1 Columbia disaster was caused in part by mismanagement within NASA, and recommends changes the space agency should make before resuming shuttle flights. Some analysts say fixing NASA's culture will be the most difficult of space agency changes. Hear NPR's Richard Harris and Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI).

A bomb explodes at the offices of one of Iraq's most important Shiite Muslim groups in Najaf, killing three people. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq says it was the target of a bombing. And in Baghdad, the International Committee of the Red Cross says it will scale back operations due to the lack of security. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson and Mideast expert Graham Fuller.