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Authorities in Iraq announce that an arrest warrant has been issued for Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in connection with the murder of a rival cleric last spring. Attacks by Sadr's followers left at least eight coalition soldiers dead in Najaf and Baghdad Sunday. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves, NPR's Michele Norris and professor Juan Cole of the University of Michigan.

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.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations canceled plans to hold its 29th annual banquet on Saturday at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

Iraq's new interim president and vice presidents nominate Shiite politician Ibrahim al-Jaafari as prime minister. Jaafari is a leading member of the Shiite alliance that won a slim majority of seats in parliament in last January's election.

As U.S.-led forces in Iraq confront a growing insurgency, they face an ominous new developmtent: hostage-taking. American Marines continue to battle for control of the town of Fallujah, west of Baghdad. In southern Iraq, Shiite fighters loyal to radical cleric Muqtada Sadr are said to be in full control of two towns and parts of another. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Philip Reeves.

U.S. military officials say American Marines will go into Fallujah, Iraq, "sooner rather than later" in response to the deaths of four U.S. security contractors. U.S. forces are studying tapes of the televised incident to identify those responsible. NPR's Philip Reeves reports on the latest developments from Iraq.

Scattered clashes are reported in the region around Fallujah, though a cease-fire declared over the weekend is largely holding. Iraqi officials report 600 civilians have died in Fallujah since U.S. Marines launched an offensive there last Monday. Those fleeing the city accuse U.S. forces of firing randomly, causing numerous civilian casualties. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

Insurgents launch mortars at an Iraqi prison, killing 22 prisoners and injuring an estimated 92 others. U.S.-led forces in Iraq are using the Abu Ghraib prison to hold suspected Saddam Hussein sympathizers and insurgents. It's unclear why the prison was targeted. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Philip Reeves.

Spanish-led troops in Iraq exchange fire with armed militiamen amid a large demonstration near Najaf, killing at least 14 and leaving more than 100 wounded. Four Salvadoran soldiers also died in the shooting. Protestors had gathered at a Spanish base to express anger over the arrest of an aide to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Hear NPR's Liane Hansen and NPR's Philip Reeves.

Cease-fire negotiations have successfully stemmed violence in the city of Fallujah, where Marines have encircled the town. Attacks have continued elsewhere in Iraq, and several foreign citizens remain hostages. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves and NPR's Cheryl Corley.