Fitz Blog: One nation's bold response to the meteorite threat

This past week we found ourselves attacked by an object from outer space. Central Russia was the victim of an unprovoked assault by an unknown assailant with a 10-ton meteor. We ask that this aggression be met with an equal response to demonstrate we , the people of earth, led by, we, the Un…

Beleaguered Muslim community gathers for a prayer service

WASHINGTON — Nearly 3,000 people gathered Friday on the west lawn of the Capitol for a mass Muslim prayer service that was part religion and part pep rally for the beleaguered U.S. Muslim community.

Germany gets third video by al-Qaida

BERLIN — The release of a third al-Qaida video message in German this week shows that Germany must remain on alert before weekend parliamentary elections, officials said.

Around the w o rld

MEXICO

Gaza rebels smashed; radical leader dies

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Hamas crushed an al-Qaida-inspired group in an hours-long standoff that came to a fiery end when a large explosion killed the radical Muslim group's leader inside his Gaza home on Saturday.

Gaza rebels smashed; radical leader dies

Supporters pack hearing for accused terrorists

RALEIGH, N.C. — A North Carolina man accused of leading a group plotting terrorism abroad was recorded saying "I love jihad" and preaching the virtues of fighting for Allah, federal authorities said Tuesday.

Supporters pack hearing for accused terrorists

Revenge attacks feared after killing of Nigerian sect leader

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Five days of fighting between government forces and a radical Islamist sect left dirt roads soaked with blood, buildings scorched and dozens dead, including the group's leader, but revenge attacks were feared even as the national police claimed victory.

Leader of Nigerian sect killed in police custody

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Lecturers tore up their degrees and abandoned universities to join him. Others bankrupted themselves, selling cars and other valuables to honor his call to give up Western trappings for the sake of Islam.

Motorcycle bombs kill 20 more in Iraqi capital

BAGHDAD — Motorcycle bombs killed at least 20 people in separate attacks in Baghdad on Friday, most in a crowded bazaar, part of an apparent trend toward increased use of motorcycles to thwart stepped-up security measures.

Letters to the editor

Private prisons won't save money

'Early Tucson' packed with old photos

"Early Tucson: Images of America"

'Early Tucson' packed with old photos

'Early Tucson' packed with old photos

'Early Tucson' packed with old photos

Around the nation

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Around the nation

India releases transcript of instruction calls in terror siege

NEW DELHI — "Keep your phone switched on," a handler instructs a terrorist by phone in the midst of the Mumbai siege, "so that we can hear the gunfire."

Atheist seeks converts to secular humanism

A Tucson doctor so strongly believes the world would be better off without religion that he's reaching out to share his ideas and challenge believers.