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At the United Nations, President Bush defends his decision to go to war in Iraq and calls on the international community to help in reconstruction. But some member countries and Secretary-General Kofi Annan still question the legitimacy of the U.S.-led war. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Iran's initial step to restart research into uranium enrichment dismays the United States, Europe and Russia. All are trying to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The next move appears to be an appeal to the U.N. Security Council.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani says he will accept a caucus-elected government in July if the United Nations guarantees direct elections will be held in Iraq by 2005. Sistani, Iraq's most prominent Shiite cleric, had previously insisted that elections take place by June 30, the date targeted by the United States for a transfer of power to an Iraqi government. Hear NPR's Ivan Watson.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair meets with President Bush Friday. British officials say Blair hopes to flesh out a role for the United Nations in Iraq's transition. Blair has faced criticism at home for having little influence when it comes to Iraq -- despite Britain's 10,000 troops there. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

President Bush installs John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, making a recess appointment to circumvent the Senate, where Democrats blocked approval of the nominee. Bolton will be able to serve until a new Congress forms in 2007.

The United Nations appeals for more help for Sudanese refugees, who have fled into the desert in neighboring Chad to escape civil war and persecution by government-backed militias. The humanitarian crisis is severe and likely to be made far worse by the approaching rainy season. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Dr. Jennifer Leaning, professor of international health at Harvard.

U.N. officials warn of civil war in Myanmar as militias run by the country's numerous ethnic minorities weigh an offer to create a federal state with the deposed government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United States and France are facing strong opposition from Lebanon and Arab states over a proposed cease-fire resolution at the United Nations. Their fundamental objection: Lebanon's government wants Israeli troops out of Lebanon, and the resolution doesn't require that to happen right away. Arab foreign ministers are in Beirut to discuss the conflict.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gets his moment in the spotlight Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly. But this trip is different than past visits. He's a lame duck president and comes to New York at a time when Israel is frequently raising the possibility of a military strike on Iran.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the international body faces many challenges, but that he anticipates progress in Sudan and North Korea. He shares his thoughts on these conflicts, Iran and Iraq.