February 22, 2004

Government forensic investigators are finding similarities in how bombs are being made in disparate areas, leading them to surmise there is global network for bomb making; previously undisclosed intelligence operation, Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center or Tedac, expands on studies of past cases, but there are still many questions about who is behind various bombings, including some major suicide attacks in Iraq; analysts believe that Al Qaeda has been weakened by campaign against terrorism and lacks central command, as well as financial and recruiting structures, but investigations suggest that network may be disseminating bomb-making skills to generation of militants who have fanned out around world; analysts do not say there is evidence of single controlling entity, but suggest there might not be many people with technical skills to build larger bombs; counterterrorism officials emphasize need to find master bomb makers responsible for most lethal bombings (M)

New York Yankees newly acquired third baseman Alex Rodriguez arrives at Yankees training complex in Tampa (Fla) to prepare for season; photos (M)

Movie and television production industry in New York City is rebounding after a period of recession; data from 2003 suggest rise in number of film, television and commercial shooting days; photo of scene from television show Law and Order (M)

Setback at War Crimes Trial The top judge in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic, Yugoslavia's former leader, is ill, further complicating a process plagued with difficulties. PAGE 3 Israel to Undo Part of Barrier Israel is to begin dismantling a part of its separation barrier, a day before an international court hearing on the barrier's legality. PAGE 8

Profile of Sean Combs, also known as P Diddy, traces career of record executive, producer and rapper and his decision to play leading role in Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun; photos (M)