The ambitious $750 million five-year plan is imperiled by unresolved questions about whether the money could fall into the wrong hands in the restive region.
AP - Highways remained slippery for some holiday travelers Monday in the upper Midwest in the aftermath of a blustery snowstorm that blacked out thousands of homes and businesses and snarled air travel.
AP - During some of the bloodiest years of the drug wars of the 1980s, crack was seen as far more dangerous than powdered cocaine, and that perception was written into the sentencing laws. But now that notion is under attack like never before.
AP - President Bush made Christmas Eve calls to 10 U.S. troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other spots around the world, thanking them for their sacrifice and wishing them a happy holiday even though they'll be far away from their families and friends.
Santa strapped on his body armor and sidearm today and got an early start on his rounds, taking candy canes and holiday wishes to U.S. troops in Iraq. Santa is Army Maj. Harold Riggins of the 101st Airborne Division. His sleigh is an Army Black Hawk helicopter.