Protests Resume In Tehran As Ahmadinejad Is Sworn In

Good morning.

As we noted earlier, two American journalists who were being held in North Korea are on their way home right now with former president Bill Clinton, who secured their release yesterday.

But there's much more news as the day begins, including these stories:

— Los Angeles Times — "Ahmadinejad Sworn In As Iranians Battle Riot Police": "Iran's president began a contentious second term today, vowing to strive for 'national greatness' as protesters battled police firing tear gas and swinging truncheons in the streets outside the parliament where he was sworn in. Battered by a weeks-long protest movement alleging fraud in his reelection, and weakened by challenges from within his own conservative camp, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he would dedicate himself to serving the Iranian people and to bold steps on the world stage."

— Related report from the Associated Press — "Death To The Dictator": "In streets near parliament, security forces using batons dispersed hundreds of protesters who chanted 'Death to the Dictator,' witnesses said."

Related conversation on Morning Edition — "Opposition Keeps Election Protests Alive In Iran". Iranian-American writer Reza Aslan discusses how social media, and the widely seen death of protester Neda Agha Soltan, is fueling the protest movement:

— Morning Edition — Joint Chiefs Chairman Says The "Tough Fight" In Afghanistan Is Under Review. Admiral Mike Mullen tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that top commanders feel the mission in Afghanistan must shift to one of ensuring the safety of the Afghan people, and that more troops will likely be needed:

Related story, also on Morning Edition:

— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — "At Least Four Dead In Fitness Center Shooting": "The story the victims told was tragically repeated time and again: The man, carrying a gym bag, walked into an exercise room at the LA Fitness center in Collier, stood in a corner for about a minute before he turned off the lights. Then the shooting started. By the time it was over, at least three people were dead and a fourth died on the way to St. Clair hospital. Authorities believe the gunman was among them, apparently having shot himself before officers arrived on the scene."

— The Washington Post — "Many 'Clunker' Dumpers Buy Foreign": "Four of the five top-selling cars in the government's "Cash for Clunkers" program are made by foreign automakers, according to new data released Tuesday by federal transportation officials."

— Twitter.com/paulaabdul — Paula Says She's Not Coming Back To American Idol:

"With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all..

I'll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon.

What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me

It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month

I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all