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Iraqi Shiite leaders call for calm following coordinated suicide bombings at two Shiite shrines in Baghdad and Karbala Tuesday that killed at least 185 people. U.S. officials believe a Jordanian militant linked to al Qaeda is behind the attacks. But many Iraqis and Shiite leaders fault U.S. occupation forces for failing to provide adequate security. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep.

The aftermath of Tuesday's attacks in Baghdad and the holy city of Karbala includes a backlash against what Iraqis consider lax U.S. attempts at security. U.S. officials in Iraq say the attacks on Shiite shrines, which killed more than 170 people, may be the work of foreign terrorists. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Iraq's governing council approves an interim constitution that sets out government structures until a permanent constitution is drafted and ratified sometime next year. Agreement is reached after intense negotiations, two days past a Feb. 28 deadline. The temporary law strikes compromises on Kurdish autonomy, Islam's role in government and women's rights. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Iraq's governing council debates issues surrounding the handover of power from U.S. forces to Iraqis, scheduled to take place by July 1. Prominent members of the council now oppose the U.S. plan to create an interim administration through caucuses. Instead, many want the council to retain sovereignty until elections can be held. Hear NPR's Deborah Amos.

Reports suggest former Vermont governor Howard Dean will suspend his campaign for president Wednesday. Dean was once the perceived frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, but he's failed to win any of the 17 primaries and contests held so far. Dean may leave open the prospect of returning to the race. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and New York Times reporter Jodi Wilgoren.

A federal appeals court upholds the government's national "do not call" registry banning telemarketing calls to some 57 million phone numbers. The court decision rejects arguments from telemarketing companies that the list violates free-speech rights. Hear NPR's Chris Arnold.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday echoed U.S. views that Iraqi elections can't be held before the July 1 transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis. Iraqi Shiites express disappointment, but many still want U.N. help in setting up elections before the end of the year. But the delay is welcomed by minority Sunnis, who fear Shiites could sweep an early vote. Hear NPR's Deborah Amos.

The U.S. administrator for Iraq says it could take up to 15 months for a full transfer of power to an Iraqi goverment. Paul Bremer's remarks conflict with the wishes of Iraq's leading Shia cleric, who wants U.N. officials to establish a deadline for general elections. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Deborah Amos.

Former Enron CEO Jeff Skilling formally surrenders to the FBI in Houston, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the company's collapse. Skilling is the highest-ranking former Enron executive to date to face criminal charges. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and Mary Flood of the Houston Chronicle.

President Bush's long-term plan to send humans back to the moon and on to Mars meets with skepticism in the House Science Committee. Lawmakers Thursday grilled Bush administration officials about the long-term costs of the plan. Among their concerns is that valuable science at NASA will fall victim to an agency budget crunch. NPR's Richard Harris reports.