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Negotiations to ease the crisis in Fallujah produce a ceasefire that provides amnesty for insurgents who disarm and refrain from future attacks, but U.S. forces remain poised to strike the Iraqi city if the pact fails. Officials from Fallujah, U.S. authorities and the Iraqi Governing Council met over the past three days in an effort to end the standoff. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

U.S. forces surrounding Fallujah loosen the perimeter they've established to allow injured residents to get hospital treatment without evacuating the besieged city. Meanwhile, U.S. military and administrative officials hold a second day of talks with representatives of the insurgents who control the city. Elsewhere in Iraq, two Japanese hostages are freed. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Emily Harris.

The military judge in the cases of three soldiers accused of abusing prisoner at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison will allow the defense to interview U.S. Central Command head Gen. John Abizaid and Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the ranking general in Iraq. Col. James Pohl made his rulings during pre-trial motions in the three courts-martial in Baghdad. NPR's Emily Harris reports.

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.

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.