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Millions of Iraqis defied death threats and violence to vote in the country's first contested election in a half century. Polling was marred by several suicide bombings around Baghdad, and a government official reported 30 people killed around Iraq. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld holds a news conference after a three-day fact-finding mission to Iraq. He emphasizes progress in restoring order there, but acknowledges ongoing difficulties. He says it's not advisable to send more U.S. troops, though he would support additional foreign troops to maintain control of the nation. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

In a surprise ceremony, U.S. administrator for Iraq Paul Bremer formally transfers sovereignty to Iraq's interim government two days ahead of schedule. The change in schedule is seen as a move to thwart insurgent attacks on the ceremony and show the world that Iraqis are ready to assume authority. Meanwhile, the U.S. military confirms a Marine has been taken hostage. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Richárd Nagy, the first Hungarian soldier to die in Iraq, was killed the same way many U.S. troops have been -- a roadside bomb hit his convoy. The Hungarian president and defense minister were among those who attended Nagy's June funeral, held in the soldier's hometown southeast of Budapest. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

In the wake of coordinated attacks in five cities that killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds more, Iraq's interim prime minister vows to "crush" insurgents and protect the Iraqi people. In Baghdad, security is stepped up, as U.S. officials warn of increased attacks as the June 30 transfer of power to the Iraqis approaches. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Ghazi al-Yawer, the Sunni head of the Iraqi Governing Council, is named Iraq's interim president, ending a deadlock over the composition of the interim government. The Iraqi Governing Council immediately dissolves, handing its responsibilities over to the interim government ahead of the June 30 transfer of sovereignty. Meanwhile, an explosion rips through the Kurdish party headquarters in Baghdad, killing several people. Hear NPR's Emily Harris.

Iraq's new interim government is announced, with Sunni leader Ghazi al-Yawer named as the country's president. Al-Yawer was previously a member of the U.S.-appointed Governing Council, which dissolved itself after the choices were made final. The new leadership, to take power on June 30, was chosen by U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in consultation with the council. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, vowing a crackdown on Iraqi insurgents, says he'll announce emergency measures Wednesday. Iraqi security forces, with U.S. support, have already begun raiding hideouts of insurgents and criminals. Nearly 150 suspects were netted in one recent raid. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

Two car bombs explode outside a military base west of Baghdad, wounding American and Iraqi troops. U.S. officials say September has set a record for car bombings, with 30 so far. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

The United Nations says aid workers are having trouble assessing and responding to the needs of the 1.2 million Sudanese fleeing battles between government-backed militias and ethnic black Africans. The United Nations has threatened economic sanctions against the country. NPR's Tavis Smiley discusses new developments in Sudan with Emily Wax, the Africa correspondent for The Washington Post and TransAfrica Forum President Bill Fletcher.