U.S. Investigating Iran-al Qaeda Ties

March 21, 2006 -- U.S. OFFICIALS: IRAN POSSIBLY HARBORING AL QAEDA

Some U.S. Officials Fear Iran Is Helping Al Qaeda

They say intelligence suggests that the regime lets key figures plot. But the picture is cloudy. (LA Times)

THE INSURGENCY IN IRAQ

Staying Strong: The Insurgency in Iraq

Many Media Savvy Groups Make for Tough Opponents. (ABC News)

Insurgents Kill 17 Iraqi Police Officers

Insurgents Storm Iraqi Police Station and Free Prisoners, at Least 28 Killed. (AP)

Comment: Listen to the Insurgents

After three years of fighting in Iraq, the insurgents are optimistic and convinced of their victory. (Boston Globe)

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Discusses Nation's Future

'World News Tonight's' Elizabeth Vargas Talks to Zalmay Khalilzad. (ABC News)

New Business Blooms in Iraq: Terror Insurance

Iraqis have begun to purchase what insurance experts say is the first off-the-shelf terrorism policy in the world. (NY Times)

HADITHA DEATHS: U.S. MILITARY INVESTIGATION

US Military Probes Iraq Killings

US military investigators have flown to Iraq to study reports that marines shot dead at least 15 civilians, including seven women and three children. (BBC)

MOUSSAOUI TRIAL

Roommate Told FBI of Moussaoui Interests

Former Roommate of Confessed al Qaeda Terrorist Told FBI of Moussaoui's Interest in Jihad. (AP)

"PAKISTANI TALIBAN"

Pakistani Taliban Take Control of Unruly Tribal Belt

A powerful militia has effectively seized control of swaths of the country's northern tribal areas, alarm in Islamabad and marking a setback in the 'war on terror'. (The Guardian)

PAT TILLMAN INVESTIGATION

2 Years After Soldier's Death, Family's Battle Is With Army

Patrick K. Tillman stood outside his law office here, staring intently at a yellow house across the street, just over 70 yards away. That, he recalled, is how far away his eldest son, Pat, who gave up a successful N.F.L. career to become an Army Ranger, was standing from his fellow Rangers when they shot him dead in Afghanistan almost two years ago. (NY Times)

IRAN NUCLEAR STANDOFF

Security Council in Iran Debate

Officials from the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany have held talks on Iran's nuclear programme without reaching agreement. (BBC)

Comment: Dancing on the Iraqi Field

What does Iran want? Does it want a Shiite nuclear bomb against the Sunnite (Pakistan), the Hinduistic, and the Christian bombs? Negotiations may unfold the chances of the Iranian regime to learn how to dance with the "Great Satan" and its aptitude to tune its steps to the pace of interests and real power balances. (Al Hayat)

BIRD FLU

Pakistan Confirms Bird Flu; Egyptian in Hospital

Pakistan on Tuesday became the latest country to confirm bird flu in poultry while Egypt said a woman was believed to be infected with the virus, the country's third case in less than a week. (Reuters)

DARFUR

Non-AU Troops for Darfur 'Risky'

Letting non-African troops into Sudan's troubled Darfur region risks creating turmoil like that seen after the US invasion of Iraq, Sudan's president has said. (Reuters)

Chad Launches Raid Against Rebels

Chad's army has launched an offensive against rebels operating along the border with Sudan. (BBC)

Where is Europe's Voice Against Genocide?

Europe's inaction in Darfur must be exposed to generate enough pressure and public embarrassment to reverse the European position. (International Herald Tribune)

U.N. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT: MASS EXTINCTIONS

UN Warns Of Worst Mass Extinctions for 65m Years

Humans have provoked the worst spate of extinctions since the dinosaurs were wiped out 65m years ago, according to a UN report that calls for unprecedented worldwide efforts to address the slide. (The Guardian)

ANALYSIS & OPINION

Europeans Should Beware Of Wishing For Us Failure in Iraq

The chaotic outcome of Bush's war is feeding US economic nationalism and isolationism, which are a threat to Europe. (The Guardian)

Off Course in Afghanistan

Destroying bin Laden and al Qaeda, and preventing a resurgence of the Taliban, will depend on our actions in Afghanistan. This is no time to reduce our commitment there. (Washington Post)

The Insider Daily Investigative Report (DIR) is a summary of major news articles and broadcasts relating to investigative news, including international terrorism and developments in Iraq. The DIR is edited daily from foreign and U.S. sources by Chris Isham, Hoda Osman and Ellen Gustafson of the ABC News Investigative Unit. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ABCNEWS.