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In a joint press conference with President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he "stands by" intelligence on Iraq's weapons programs. Previously, Blair told a joint meeting of Congress that history would forgive the U.S.-led war in Iraq even if weapons of mass destruction are not found. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea and political commentators E.J. Dionne and David Brooks.

DNA is not just an instruction book for the present and something to pass on to future generations -- it is also a record of our genetic past. No longer do researchers look for clues to human history merely in fossil bones and stone tools, they also seek "genetic fossils" in the DNA of living peoples. NPR's David Baron talks to University of Maryland researcher Sarah Tishkoff, who, by studying DNA and mitochondrial DNA, has revealed some of the most detailed clues yet to humankind's origins.

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice has refused to testify publicly before the panel investigating the Sept. 11 attacks. Former national security advisors Zbigniew Brzezinski and William Clark say Rice's refusal is in accord with the law and history of executive privilege, but it endangers the nation's trust in the Bush administration. Hear NPR's Juan Williams, Brzezinski and Clark.

We've heard this week about the G8 summit of world leaders, including many from Africa, and the setting: Sea Island, off the coast of Georgia. It's part of the Sea Islands -- plural -- and it's rich with what's known as black Gullah culture. Reporter Allison Keyes spoke with Emory Campbell of Gullah Heritage Consulting about Gullah history, traditions and language.

Bookstores around the country anticipate high interest in Hillary Rodham Clinton's new book and gear up for heavy crowds. Simon & Schuster, which is paying Clinton $8 million, has printed 1 million copies of Living History. Hear Nora Rawlinson, editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly.

A history professor hired by The New York Times recommends that a 1932 Pulitzer Prize awarded to Times journalist Walter Duranty should be rescinded. Duranty received the prize for articles he wrote covering Josef Stalin’s transformation of the Soviet Union. NPR's Melissa Block talks with professor Mark von Hagen.

When the animated ogre Shrek became one of the biggest box-office stars in history, Hollywood was bound to bring him back for a sequel. Shrek 2 now attempts to duplicate the cross-generational appeal that drew audiences to the original. NPR's Bob Mondello has a review.

NPR's Michele Norris talks with Shaul Bakhash, professor of Middle East history at George Mason University, about the significance of the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf, Iraq. Holes are visible in the shrine's dome after heavy fighting in the city. Coalition authorities say they didn't do it, and have suggested the blame might lie with forces loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

The mayor of Las Vegas is proposing a museum exploring the history of organized crime's involvement in the building of the city. Opponents point out that coming up with material to display might be tough given the mob is known for covering its tracks. Harriet Baskas reports in this installment of "Hidden Treasures."

The 9-11 Commission's recommendations for restructuring intelligence efforts would require major changes to U.S. law, and would also represent the most radical overhaul of the CIA in the history of the agency. But several CIA insiders say reform may be necessary for the greater good of the nation. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports.