Democrats call for ‘better way’

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, said Tuesday “there is a better way” to govern. Kaine’s comments were the official Democratic response to President Bush’s State of the Union address.

House Prepares to Extend Patriot Act Another 5 Weeks

The extension would give House and Senate negotiators another five weeks to resolve their dispute over the antiterrorism law.

60 Nations Set 5-Year Goals to Aid Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Compact is a plan to restore the country’s security, build a functioning economy and counter the narcotics trade.

Atomic Agency Sees Possible Link of Military to Iran Nuclear Work

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iranian research into high explosives, a missile warhead design, and uranium processing were connected.

European Resolution Would Refer Iran to the U.N.

Britain, France and Germany introduced a draft resolution asking the U.N. atomic agency board to report Iran to the Security Council.

Ukraine Gas Deal Draws Attention to Secretive Importer

RosUkrEnergo, a shell entity based in Switzerland, is now facing an uncomfortable amount of attention.

In London, a ‘Soldier’s Tale’ Told in English and Arabic

How London’s Old Vic Theater came to be presenting a British and Iraqi version of “The Soldier’s Tale” is almost as strange as what transpires on stage.

World Briefing: Asia, Middle East, Americas, Europe, Africa

ASIA.

Dane Defends Press Freedom as Muslims Protest Cartoons

The prime minister distanced himself from a newspaper’s decision to publish cartoons of the prophet Mohammad.

Putin Juggles 64 Questions in Defense of the Homeland

Vladimir V. Putin defended Russia’s handling of natural gas disputes, boasted of a new strategic weapon and asserted that Russia belongs in the Group of 8.

Mine Safety Nominee Fields Tough Questions From Senators

Senator Edward M. Kennedy suggested that the nominee, Richard M. Stickler, might be too cozy with the mine industry to be named the nation’s top mine safety regulator.

Committee Focuses on Failure to Aid New Orleans’s Infirm

Government complacency and poor planning during Hurricane Katrina contributed to the deaths of dozens of the frail and sick in New Orleans, investigators said.

Exit Greenspan, Amid Questions on Economy

Alan Greenspan left his successor both a wide berth to set his own policy and some major uncertainties about the future.

Alito Vote May Be Decisive in Marquee Cases This Term

A first taste of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s legal views on abortion could come before the end of the year.

The Domestic Agenda: On Education and Health, Costly Plans Face Hurdles

President Bush’s vow to reduce dependence on Mideast oil echoes past promises, but U.S. reliance on imports is at a record level.

President Warns About Dangers for Nation in Isolationism

The president said tonight that “America is addicted to oil” and set a goal of replacing much of the nation’s Mideast oil imports.

Live Vote: Right to remove Sheehan?

Do you agree with the decision by Capitol Police to remove activist Cindy Sheehan from the gallery at the president’s State of the Union speech because she was wearing a T-shirt with an antiwar slogan?

WP: Bush offers scaled-down blueprint

Coming off his most difficult year in office, President Bush used his State of the Union address tonight to try to give his administration a new start, if not a fresh face.

Live Vote: Does Bush have the right plan?

Did President Bush persuade you in his State of the Union address that he has the right plan for the country?

Transcript: Democratic response

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine gave the Democratic response to the State of the Union address Tuesday.  Here is a text of his remarks , as delivered.

Transcript: Bush’s address

President Bush delivered his fifth State of the Union address Tuesday.  Here is a text of his remarks , as delivered.

Alito lends touch of drama to State of Union

Since the State of the Union address became a prime-time television spectacle, no president has ever walked into the House chamber and seen in the front row his Supreme Court nominee who’d been sworn in that very day.

Sex crimes and punishment

A highly contested session where state Assembly members bickered for hours over which political party was tougher on crime ended Tuesday when the Democratic majority approved a measure that cracks down on sexual predators — over objections from Republicans who claimed the bill wasn’t strict enough.

Sex crimes and punishment

A highly contested session where state Assembly members bickered for hours over which political party was tougher on crime ended Tuesday when the Democratic majority approved a measure that cracks down on sexual predators — over objections from Republicans who claimed the bill wasn’t strict enough.

Alito sworn in as Supreme Court justice

Samuel Anthony Alito Jr.  won Senate approval Tuesday to become the nation’s 110th Supreme Court justice.

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