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Despite "uneven" security in Iraq, conditions there are improving a year after the U.S.-led war to topple Saddam Hussein began, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says. In an interview with NPR's Eric Westervelt and NPR's Juan Williams, Rumsfeld also says it's difficult to measure success in the war on terrorism. Hear the full interview.

The United States and Britain failed to exercise "critical judgment" in going to war against Iraq a year ago despite the lack of hard evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, says Hans Blix, the former chief United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq. Blix discusses his new book, Disarming Iraq, in an extended interview with NPR's Bob Edwards.

U.S. accounting firms are increasingly outsourcing data-entry work related to tax returns overseas. This year, as many as 100,000 American taxpayers may have their returns prepared in India. NPR's Elaine Korry reports.

President George Bush appeals to U.S. allies not to withdraw support from the occupation of Iraq, saying terrorists must not be allowed to influence international policy or leadership. Spain's new prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, has called Iraq a "great disaster" and vowed to bring home Spanish troops deployed there. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers Dimension Records, which showcased the demos of such songwriters as Gerry Goffin and Carole King.

Officials in New Jersey confirm that bird flu has been detected in poultry in their state. The latest incidents of avian flu follow the destruction in Delaware of nearly 100,000 chickens after flocks at two farms were infected. The variant of avian flu detected in the Northeast is different from the one infecting in humans in Southeast Asia. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling pleads not guilty as he is indicted on fraud and insider trading charges. Federal prosecutors say Skilling lied about Enron's finances and intentionally deceived investors. Skilling was released after posting a $5 million bail. NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and law professor John Coffee of Columbia University.

Cable giant Comcast faces obstacles in its quest to acquire the Walt Disney Co. Analysts say Comcast will likely need to increase its bid to convince Disney shareholders to sell the company. If that happens, Comcast will have to ease consumer concerns over media consolidation and persuade federal regulators that the takeover won't inhibit competition. NPR's Jim Zarroli reports.

A California federal grand jury hands down a 42-count indictment against four men who allegedly ran an illegal steroid-distribution network. The men include the founder of BALCO, a controversial San Francisco laboratory, and the personal trainer for baseball superstar Barry Bonds. Crusaders against doping in sports praise the action. NPR's Tom Goldman reports.

U.N. envoys say it's not possible to hold open elections in Iraq before June 30, the date U.S. authorities plan to hand over power to an interim Iraqi government. Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, a Shia Muslim cleric at the heart of the debate, said he accepts the U.N. determination but urges elections as soon as possible. Hear NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Deborah Amos.