Decision to step down by end of July stuns political establishment, provides endpoint to this chapter of career and fuels speculation about her plans.

Philip Rucker and Eli Saslow

Analysis | But are Palin's rules those of someone capable of winning GOP's presidential nomination?

Dan Balz

• OPINION: A Foolish Resignation | 44: Palin's Remarks
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Autoworkers making the move to new careers find lower salaries, regret over choices made years ago.

Peter Whoriskey

Defying the U.S. on Independence Day, N. Korea fires short-range missiles toward the Sea of Japan.

Blaine Harden

Just 13 when the U.S. invaded Iraq, a diarist in Baghdad has chronicled the conflict's evolution.

Anthony Shadid

• France Hopes to Jump-Start Arms Sales With Iraq
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Use our handy map to plan your family's July 4 celebration and plot the perfect perch to take in all the sights and sounds.

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