National
FBI begins probe of identity leak allegations
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI began a full-scale criminal investigation Tuesday into whether White House officials illegally leaked the identity of an undercover CIA officer, and President Bush ordered his staff to cooperate with the first major probe of his administration. Democrats demanded the appointment of a special outside counsel but Bush resisted. "I'm absolutely confident that the Justice Department can do a good job," he said on a re-election fund-raising stop in Chicago.
Senate may reconstruct Bush's $87 billion plan
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans muscled President Bush's $87 billion plan for Iraq and Afghanistan through a Senate committee Tuesday but signaled that they may ultimately defy the White House and structure some of the aid as a loan. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill 29-0, with Democrats reluctant to oppose a bill dominated by funds for U.S. troops. But the unanimous tally belied sharp partisan divisions over $20.3 billion included for Iraqi reconstruction, and the fight on the Senate floor seems likely to last until after lawmakers return from a Columbus Day recess in mid-October.
International
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Third suspect arrested in suspicion of espionage
WASHINGTON (AP) - The government on Tuesday announced the arrest of a second translator at the U.S. prison for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, bringing total detentions there to three and raising new concern about the extent of possible espionage. The latest man arrested was identified as Egyptian-American Ahmed Fathy Mehalba, 31. He is a civilian who formerly served in the Army and twice started but failed to complete a military intelligence course to become an interrogator, two defense officials said on condition of anonymity.
U.S. military team ends peace mission in Liberia
MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) - U.S. military planes and helicopters carried the last few U.S. ground forces out of war-ruined Liberia on Tuesday - leaving Liberians thankful for their help, but dismayed at their silent withdrawal. About 30 members of a U.S. military liaison team flew out of Liberia's main airport, ending their work with a West African-led peace mission.
