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It's been two decades since the Taliban had full control of Afghanistan. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly spoke to historian Carter Malkasian about who's running the Taliban now — and who's funding them.

The executive order strips protections for thousands of federal workers. The administration says it's needed to get rid of "poor performers," but critics call it an attack on nonpolitical employees.

If the tax rate rises for the top 2 percent of wage earners, business owners would generally react by hiring fewer new workers, according to a fundamental Republican argument. But the actual outcome might be a bit murkier, and — in some instances — counterintuitive.

To many beer fans, the arrival of the elusive Westvleteren 12 Trappist ale in American shops today is a chance to try a beer they've only read about on beer-geek blogs and sites. But finding the beer can be tricky, and some stores sold out of their allotment within hours of opening Wednesday.

During his rule, King Abdullah has introduced a series of reforms directed at women. But there are still sharp limits. The monarch has now named women to a top advisory body, but they can't gather in the presence of the men.

The Ohio Republican will again hold the top post in the House. He challenged House members Thursday to come to their jobs humbled. "If you have come here to see your name in lights or to pass off political victory as some accomplishment, you have come to the wrong place," Boehner said.

Weekends on All Things Considered host Jacki Lyden talks with regular contributor James Fallows of The Atlantic about some of the top stories in the news this past week.

NPR's Ari Shapiro joins host Scott Simon to talk about the Obama administration's week. The president was buffeted by revelations that the IRS had targeted Tea Party groups seeking tax-exempt status and that the Justice Department had subpoenaed reporter phone records. On top of that, Republicans continue to allege that the White House engaged in a cover-up of talking points about the attack in Benghazi, Libya.

On Monday, Apple announced iRadio — its entry into the crowded field of music streaming services. iTunes has become the top music retailer by selling song files. But no one in the music business thinks the iTunes model is the future. Pandora is the oldest and most successful streaming service so far. But it's been a disappointment to investors.

Keeping tabs on the arm of government that constantly invokes national security to justify its opaqueness can be a frustrating experience for members of Congress.