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Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld dismisses claims the United States was unprepared for the ground war in Iraq and says there will be no delay in the push toward Baghdad. NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to Tom Ricks of The Washington Post.

Military analysts criticize the U.S. war plan as fierce Iraqi resistance slows the march toward Baghdad. Critics say U.S. commanders made a mistake by not sending more ground forces to Iraq. On Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld defends the war plan, saying the "outcome is assured" and the ruling regime will be removed. Hear NPR's Tom Gjelten.

Iraqi paramilitary forces fire on British troops surrounding the southern port city of Basra. Reports say Iraqis loyal to Saddam are also firing on civilians trying to flee the city. The search for food, water and supplies intensifies for Basra's civilians as the standoff enters its sixth day. NPR's Michele Norris talks with Reuters photographer Chris Helgren.

The U.S. military launches an investigation into a shooting at a checkpoint near Najaf that killed at least seven Iraqi women and children. Military officials say U.S. soldiers opened fire on a civilian van after the driver failed to stop as ordered. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer.

NPR's Melissa Block talks with Rick Atkinson, Washington Post correspondent with the Army's 101st Airborne Division, near Najav in central Iraq. Atkinson describes the firefights the 101st Airborne Division has been engaging in around the Shiite holy city of Najav.

The federal government is about to select several U.S. firms to oversee the rebuilding of Iraq. Some say it's unseemly for American firms to earn a profit repairing damage inflicted by the U.S. military. European companies were shut out from the bidding process. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.

Iraqi military officials in Baghdad promise more suicide attacks against U.S.-led forces, following Saturday's car bombing that killed four U.S. soldiers near the Iraqi city of Najaf. Iraq says it has given the equivalent of more than $30,000 to the family of the man who carried out the suicide attack. NPR's Liane Hansen talks to reporter John Laurence.

U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities in Baghdad, including various Republican Guard positions and a presidential compound. The air assault is described as one of the heaviest since the war began. Iraqi officials say 19 people were killed and more than 100 wounded. Hear NPR's Tom Gjelten and NPR's Anne Garrels.

Gen. Tommy Franks says the war in Iraq is on schedule and U.S. forces are prepared for an extended conflict. The general outlines the campaign's successes, and reports that in Baghdad, U.S.-led attacks continue to take out key targets. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

An attacker drives a truck into a crowd of U.S. soldiers at a base in Kuwait, wounding at least five Americans. And in Doha, Qatar, Gen. Tommy Franks rejects suggestions of a "pause" in fighting. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep.