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Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika wins a second term with more than 80 percent of the vote. Western observers call Thursday's vote the country's first genuinely pluralist presidential elections since independence in 1962. Bouteflika's former prime minister, who finished second, claims the vote was rigged. Hear NPR's Sylvia Poggioli.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says elections to choose a new Iraqi government are possible by the end of 2004 -- but only if work begins immediately. Annan, delivering the findings of a U.N. report prepared by envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, added that due to political strife in the country, Iraq might not be ready to hold elections until 2005. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

Last week's parliamentary elections have placed conservatives back in control of Iran's legislature. Reformers dominated parliament for the past four years with political support from Iran's president, Mohammed Khatami. Reformist leaders now fear a political crackdown from the right. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

Final results from Friday's disputed parliamentary elections in Iran are not expected for several days. A boycott urged by reformists after 2,500 reform candidates were disqualified may result in a lower turnout than a 67 percent showing four years ago, when reformists swept into power. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

As Sen. John Kerry strengthens his lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, the focus shifts to his Senate voting record. His Democratic rivals and Republican strategists are examining Kerry's record closely for weaknesses they can exploit. NPR's David Welna reports.

Marty is one of the foremost authorities on religion and society. He is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught for over 35 years. His new book is a biography of Martin Luther, one of the leading figures of the Protestant Reformation. The book is Martin Luther. Marty is also the author of a five-volume work on religion in the 20th century.

North Carolina Sen. John Edwards kicks off a three-day tour in delegate-rich California to garner support for the March 2 round of 10 Democratic presidential contests. Edwards courts new backing by lavishing praise on his one-time competitor for the nomination, former Vermont governor Howard Dean. NPR's John McChesney reports.

Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House and Senate take up President Bush's challenge to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Majority Leader Bill Frist says the Senate could take up such a bill by summer. But many warn the process of ratifying a constitutional amendment is often lengthy. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Sen. John Edwards heads back to North Carolina, reportedly to announce the end of his presidential campaign after failing to capture any of the 10 states in Tuesday's contests. Hear NPR's Melissa Block, NPR's Mara Liasson and NPR's Adam Hochberg.

Democratic frontrunner Sen. John Kerry is declared the winner in Ohio, Maryland and Massachusetts, leading to talk that rival candidate Sen. John Edwards will bow out of contention for the Democratic party's presidential nomination. Edwards credits Kerry with running a strong campaign as he thanks his supporters during a speech at his campaign headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.