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Deadline Past, Iraqi Council Grapples with Constitution

February 29, 2004 • Iraq's Governing Council continues to struggle with framing an interim constitution. Divisive issues that drove the talks past an initial Feb. 28 deadline reportedly include federalism and the role of Islam. NPR's John Ydstie speaks with Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Britain's special representative in Iraq, who is participating in the talks.

Iraq Misses Constitution Deadline

February 29, 2004 • Iraq's Governing Council has missed the deadline for approval of an interim constitution. Adoption of a working constitution has reportedly been slowed by disagreements over the role of Islam in a future Iraqi government. NPR's Liane Hansen talks with Noah Feldman, an assistant professor of law at New York University and a former legal adviser to the occupation authority in Iraq.

Nations Prepare to Aid Haiti as Aristide Flees

February 29, 2004 • Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide steps aside after months of protests and an armed revolt swept his Caribbean nation. Following the country's constitutional procedure, Supreme Court head Boniface Alexandre has taken over as president. U.S. troops are on the way to join a multinational force to help stabilize the nation. NPR's Gerry Hadden and NPR's Martin Kaste report.

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U.S. Troops to Join Multinational Force in Haiti

February 29, 2004 • The international community prepares to aid Haiti's return to stability after the exodus of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who stepped aside after months of increasingly violent protests and demonstrations. the United States is preparing to send troops as part of a U.N. effort to stabilize the Caribbean nation. Looting and celebrations were reported to follow the news of Aristide's departure. Hear NPR's Nancy Marshall.

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Aristide Steps Down; Leaves Haiti

February 29, 2004 • Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide steps down, bowing to months of protests and a growing armed rebellion that had taken over several cities. International attempts to broker a power-sharing agreement between Aristide and the opposition proved fruitless, leading several nations -- including France and the United States -- to call for Aristide to step down. NPR's Liane Hansen talks with NPR's Gerry Hadden from Port-au-Prince.

Iran Reformists Regroup After Election Loss

February 28, 2004 • Conservatives take firm control of Iran after disputed parliamentary elections, ousting moderates who had briefly held power. But Iran's reform movement is likely to continue outside of government, and there are signs that conservatives also want closer ties with the United States. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Mike Shuster.

Haitian Capital in Turmoil

February 28, 2004 • Unrest and looting plague Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, as armed opponents of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide approach the city. The police presence in Haiti is fading, but Aristide is refusing external suggestions that he step down. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Martin Kaste.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Sudan

February 28, 2004 • A major humanitarian disaster is building in Western Sudan, where as millions have been displaced and left without adequate food by a lengthy civil war. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Ken Bacon, head of Refugees International.

Haitian Revolt Promises More Bloodshed

February 28, 2004 • Robert Pastor, former director of the Carter Center, says the international community needs to intervene in Haiti before widespread violence erupts in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Pastor helped monitor the elections that brought President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power. He speaks with NPR's Scott Simon.

Aristide Supporters March in Haiti

February 28, 2004 • Aristide Supporters March in Haiti Supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide march peacefully through the streets of Haiti's capital. Port-au-Prince is calmer after a day of looting and unrest. But rebels are still pondering an attack and the political standoff is leaving Aristide increasingly isolated. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

Americans Head to Libya as Travel Ban Ends

February 27, 2004 • Libyans react positively to the Bush administration decision to end travel restrictions for American citizens wishing to visit the North African country. American diplomats and businessmen are already flying into the capital of Tripoli to revive relations that were frozen for 15 years. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

Haiti Rebels Advance; Aristide Won't Resign

February 27, 2004 • Insurgents tighten the noose around the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, free prisoners in the town of Mirabaleis and reportedly seize the town of Les Cayes, just south of Port-au-Prince. Looting breaks out in the capital, and pressure mounts on President Jean Bertrand Aristide to resign. Aristide, however, says he plans on serving out his term until 2006. NPR's Martin Kaste reports from Haiti.

Bush, Schroeder Meet to Rebuild Ties

February 27, 2004 • President Bush hosts German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at the White House, as the two leaders seek to put disputes over the U.S.-led war in Iraq behind them. Schroeder has promised to forgive a substantial amount of Iraq's debt to Germany, and he's pledged not to stand in the way of a possible expanded NATO role in Iraq. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Attacks Belie U.S. Claims on Afghan Security

February 27, 2004 • Last Thursday, suspected Islamic militants attacked and killed five aid workers in Afghanistan. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld says a new Pakistani army offensive near the Afghan border is helping to clamp down on remnant Taliban and al Qaeda forces. But aid groups say the security situation is worsening. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Powell Hints Aristide Should Consider Quitting

February 27, 2004 • Secretary of State Colin Powell says Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide should examine his position and consider what's best for the Haitian people -- a sign U.S. officials want Aristide to consider resigning. Meanwhile, rebel forces advance on Haiti's capital, but the U.N. Security Council says it's not ready to authorize peacekeepers. Hear NPR's Michele Kelemen.