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Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr moves into Najaf in southern Iraq Tuesday, surrounded by supporters. In a statement, Sadr promised more violence unless U.S. troops pull out of populated areas and release all Iraqi prisoners. American officials have branded Sadr an outlaw. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice tells the Sept. 11 panel that most of the warnings the White House received prior to the Sept. 11 attacks were "frustratingly vague." She says the Bush team was aware of al Qaeda and took the threat of terrorism seriously, but admits it had other priorities. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

U.S. soldiers are involved in an operation to hunt down and destroy militia loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad's Sadr City. In Ramadi, 12 Marines die in intense battles. In Fallujah, U.S. rockets hit a mosque, reportedly killing dozens. Three days of clashes in the Sunni stronghold have killed as many as 30 U.S. soldiers and more than 150 Iraqis. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

Secretary of State Colin Powell tells a Senate hearing that the recent upsurge in violence in Iraq is "disquieting" but insists the United States won't be driven out. President Bush's supporters warn that the growing criticism of U.S. policy on Iraq undercuts efforts to establish a democracy in the country. Hear NPR's David Welna.

U.S. Marines in Iraq surrounding the embattled city of Fallujah are allowing women, children and the elderly to flee the fighting with militia forces -- but will not allow military-aged men to leave. The Marines are also allowing food, water and medicine to enter the city, but have turned away trucks full of men also trying to enter the city. Eric Niiler of member station KPBS, embedded with the 1st Marine Division, reports.

U.S. authorities temporarily suspend offensive operations in Fallujah to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid, but shooting can still be heard. Members of the Iraqi governing council will travel to Fallujah to meet with local Muslim clerics and rebel leaders in the town. Insurgents take more foreign civilians hostage. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

Residents of Fallujah brace for a response to the killing of four U.S. security contractor employees, whose bodies were then mutilated. The United States has said it will have a measured response to the attacks. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

U.S. Marines surround Fallujah and use loudspeakers to warn residents to stay inside until Tuesday. U.S. forces are preparing to move against the restive Iraqi city in response to grisly attacks last Wednesday, which killed four U.S. contractors. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will give sworn public testimony to the commission reviewing U.S. efforts to prevent terrorism before and after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Thursday. Rice's testimony comes as the commission is set to begin wrapping up its investigation. Hear NPR's Pam Fessler, NPR's Melissa Block and former deputy attorney general Jamie Gorelick.

North Carolina Sen. John Edwards kicks off a three-day tour in delegate-rich California to garner support for the March 2 round of 10 Democratic presidential contests. Edwards courts new backing by lavishing praise on his one-time competitor for the nomination, former Vermont governor Howard Dean. NPR's John McChesney reports.