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Taliban Leader Is Hiding and Being Protected in Pakistan, Says Spokesman  —  Maddy Sauer and Gretchen Peters Report:  —  Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar is alive and well and living in Pakistan under the protection of the Pakistan intelligence agency, according to the captured spokesman for the Taliban, Mohammad Hanif.

Anti-Buildup Measure to Have Bipartisan Stamp  —  Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, an outspoken Republican critic of the administration's Iraq policy, will join two leading Democrats in introducing a resolution opposing President Bush's buildup of troops in Iraq, putting a bipartisan stamp …

An Apology to Detainees' Attorneys  —  During a radio interview last week, I brought up the topic of pro bono work and habeas corpus representation of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Regrettably, my comments left the impression that I question the integrity of those engaged in the zealous defense of detainees in Guantanamo.

Justice Dept. Names New Prosecutors, Forcing Some Out  —  The Justice Department is removing several United States attorneys from their jobs, among them Carol C. Lam, the top federal prosecutor in San Diego, who led the corruption prosecution of former Representative Randy Cunningham.

Philippines says Abu Sayyaf leader killed in clash  —  MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines said on Wednesday that troops had killed the top planner of the country's most deadly Islamic militant group in a clash at a rebel jungle camp in the southwest.  —  Abu Sulaiman, one of the top five leaders …

Frist looking at governor run in 2010  —  Former Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is seriously considering a gubernatorial run in Tennessee in 2010, possibly setting up a White House bid further down the road.  —  Sources in Washington and Tennessee say Frist, who will turn 55 next month …

Shakeup: Kerry spokesman plays down staff changes, but admits they may be factor in 2008  —  Kerry hires two more at DC office, promotes communications chief  —  The Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee has added two new members to his Washington Senate staff and promoted his Communications Director …

Gulf Allies Support Goals of New U.S. Strategy in Iraq  —  America's Persian Gulf allies on Tuesday endorsed the goals of President Bush's new Iraq strategy.  But even one of Washington's staunchest partners in the region, Saudi Arabia, indicated deep concerns about whether the Shiite-led government …

Iowa Dems favor Edwards, GOP Favors Giuliani, McCain  —  Zogby's Road To New Hampshire telephone polling series kicks off with Hillary in a second-tier dogfight and Republicans split between conservative Gingrich and moderate candidates  —  Zogby's Newest Polling Packages Available Now for Purchase …

Attorney general says federal jurists should defer to president's will  —  WASHINGTON - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales says federal judges are unqualified to make rulings affecting national security policy, ramping up his criticism of how they handle terrorism cases.

As Trial Begins, Cheney's Ex-Aide Is Still a Puzzle  —  Paradox seems to define I. Lewis Libby Jr., who remains a bit mysterious even to close colleagues.  He is the White House policy enforcer who also wrote a literary novel; a buttoned-down Washington lawyer who likes knocking back tequila shots …

The (Rump) Group of 88 Strikes Again  —  Two hundred ninety-five days after issuing their statement, the Group of 88 has re-emerged, in a defiant statement posted yesterday.  —  Operating under the moniker Concerned (of Being Sued) Duke Faculty, the 88 is now 87.

Baghdad bombs kill 105  —  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Bombers killed 70 people, many of them young women students, at a Baghdad university on Tuesday, one of the city's bloodiest days in weeks.  —  In all, at least 105 were killed in bombings and a shooting in the capital on a day when the United Nations …

Lawmakers' Lobbying Spouses Avoid Hill Reforms  —  When Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) rose to the Senate floor last summer and passionately argued for keeping the federal estate tax, he left one person with an interest in retaining the tax unmentioned.  —  The multibillion-dollar life-insurance industry …

CONFLICT IN IRAQ  —  Iraq refugee crisis exploding  —  40% of middle class believed to have fled crumbling nation  —  (01-16) 04:00 PST Washington — Iraq is in the throes of the largest refugee crisis in the Middle East since the Palestinian exodus from Israel in 1948 …

The big question about Barack Obama  —  CHICAGO — Two years in the U.S. Senate.  Seven years in the Illinois Senate.  One loss in a primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives.  One stirring keynote address at a Democratic National Convention.  Two best-selling books.