To the Point

Iraq, Three Years Later

The war in Iraq has killed thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis. Three years into the occupation, US and Iraqi soldiers are waging a massive assault, making another concerted attempt to put down the continuing power of the insurgency. Meantime, the US agreement to talk with Iran has enraged Iraqi Sunnis because of Iran's alliance with Iraq's majority Shiites. Dwindling support in this country has raised new questions about America's long-term strategies and objectives. Will Operation Swarmer succeed where others have failed? Will Iran help or hinder progress toward a unified government? With American public opinion turning against the war, are permanent bases part of this country's long-term objectives? Making News: Senate Adopts Big Budget Plan, Even Bigger Debt LimitThe Republican Congress has busted the budget again, approving big spending after raising the limit on borrowing to avoid a default. Jodie Schneider, economics editor for Congressional Quarterly, has more on the most recent "horse trading" on the budget.Reporter's Notebook: Bush Picks Idaho Governor Kempthorne for Interior SecretaryInterior Secretary Gale Norton, one of President Bush's most controversial cabinet members, resigned last week, insisting it was not because her department has been tied to the Abramoff lobbying scandal. Almost immediately, the President named Idaho's Republican Governor Kirk Kempthorne to replace her, guaranteeing that controversies over land use, environmental protection and endangered species will continue. Former congressional correspondent Juliet Eilperin now covers the environment for the Washington Post.