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Sidney Jones is the director of the International Crisis Group's South East Asia Project. She has examined separatist conflicts, ethnic conflict, and terrorism in the region, with much of her attention focused on work in Indonesia. We discuss how the Indian Ocean tsunami has affected the already politically unstable Indonesia.

Making-up 60 percent of Iraq's population, Shiite Muslims look to be big winners in the Jan. 30 elections. Some worry the Shia community is too close to Iran and could push the country toward a more theocratic model. But some experts believe the Shia may be democracy's best hope in a new Iraq. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster.

As President Bush considers ways to reform the Social Security system, he's said to be considering a plan that would reduce benefits for retirees. Many people on both sides of the Social Security debate believe the administration is seriously considering indexing benefits according to inflation rates rather than current prevailing wages. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

After months of intense negotiations, the House votes 336-75 to pass an anticipated intelligence reform bill. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra said in final debate on the bill that it may be one of the most difficult and involved bills in Congressional history. NPR's Andrea Seabrook reports.

House Republicans unexpectedly reinstate a tougher ethics rule governing their leaders. The move overturns a rule that was widely seen as intended to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay from having to step down if he is indicted in an ongoing campaign financing investigation. Hear NPR's Andrea Seabrook.

For many, the Blackberry is a must-have gadget, a wireless hand-held computer that can send e-mail and make phone calls. NPR's Frank Langfitt reports that as the device wins fans, it's making a cultural impact.

Tipper Gore, who launched a successful campaign for warning labels on explicit music lyrics, says parents are still the best line of defense against indecent material aimed at children. She talks with NPR's Robert Siegel.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden speaks with Yosita Oramahi, an Indonesian now living in Singapore, about the fate of her sister's family in Aceh province. Her sister's husband lost 50 family members.

With much riding on this week's intelligence bill vote, many in Congress are saying the president has pushed hard enough. NPR's Cokie Roberts reports on the details of the intelligence bill vote.

The early 1970s glam-punk band the New York Dolls are known for wearing both makeup and leather — and playing a raw, aggressive style of rock that has since influenced many bands. Singer David Johnansen discusses their new live CD.