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As members of Congress head home for their spring break, they have little to tout in the way of legislative success. A pattern has developed: Republicans propose legislation, Democrats attach amendments that win support from moderate Republicans, and the Republican leadership pulls the bills before a vote, apparently out of deference to the White House. Hear NPR's Howard Berkes and NPR's David Welna.

U.S. Marines besiege the Iraqi town of Fallujah, west of Baghdad, where crowds mutilated the bodies of four American civilians killed in a roadside attack last Wednesday. The Marines are preparing a new offensive in Fallujah to root out those responsible for the killings. Hear NPR's Melissa Block and Eric Niiler of member station KPBS in San Diego.

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.

On Friday, the mother of the youngest of three Japanese hostages being held in Iraq appealed to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to withdraw Japanese troops. But Koizumi says he has no intention of withdrawing the troops, and pledges that Japan will do its utmost to rescue the hostages. NPR's Rob Gifford reports from Tokyo.

U.S. Marines target a mosque complex in the besieged town of Fallujah with rockets and a large bomb, killing at least 25 people and possibly as many as 40. Insurgents were reportedly using the mosque to stage attacks on U.S.-led forces. Hear NPR's Michele Norris and Eric Niiler of member station KPBS, who is with the First Marine Division.

The U.S. military concedes disappointment with the performance of some U.S.-trained Iraqi units in the wake of widespread attacks by both Sunni and Shiite Muslim insurgents. Chief U.S. administrator Paul Bremer acknowledges that the Iraqi army and civil defense force will not be in a position to control the country when the U.S. hands over sovereignty to an interim government at the end of June. NPR's Anne Garrels reports.

Amid fighting in several Iraqi cities, an increasing number of foreigners are missing or held hostage by insurgents. Meanwhile, Vice President Cheney goes to Japan as a crisis builds over threats to kill three Japanese who are captive in Iraq. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves and NPR's Rob Gifford.

Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's chief national security adviser, will appear Thursday before the Sept. 11 commission. Rice will testify under oath for the first time. She met privately with panel members in February. This appearance follows questions raised by others who have testified before the commission. NPR's Pam Fessler reports.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry criticizes the stay-the-course strategy President George Bush reiterated in his White House news conference Tuesday night. Kerry, the presumed Democratic nominee for president, said at a news conference in New York that the president has been too inflexible in his plans and has alienated U.S. allies. NPR's David Welna reports.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi vows to maintain his country's participation in the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, despite the execution of an Italian hostage by Iraqi militants. The militants are threatening to kill three other Italian hostages seized this week if Italian troops aren't withdrawn. Hear NPR's Sylvia Poggioli.