NPR Topics: Iraq

Rough Road For Military Families With Special Needs

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:09:00 -0500

Deployments are usually hard on families. Spouses must become single parents for months on end, managing households with little outside help. These challenges become even more daunting for families with special needs children.

'Big Oil' Returns To Redevelop Iraq's Oil Fields

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:50:00 -0500

In the six years since the U.S. invasion, Iraq's oil production has hardly matched the level under Saddam Hussein. Iraq's oil minister had been harshly criticized, but this week the world's largest oil companies signed multi-billion dollar deals to redevelop Iraq's oil fields. What's most impressive is that the oil minister got the companies to accept Iraq's conditions and terms.

Smugglers In Iraq Have A New Trade: Corpses

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:11:00 -0500

Stalled for 30 years by invasion, war and rebellions, the flow of corpses from outside Iraq to the Shiite holy cemetery in Najaf has resumed. But plenty of risk remains as traffickers share the country's borders with drug smugglers and other criminals — a price they're willing to pay for the hefty compensation.

Dissident Iranians Live In Limbo In Iraq

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:15:00 -0500

A group of Iranian dissidents living in Iraq since the 1980s poses a dilemma for the U.S. government. The Mujahedeen-e Khalq organization was given U.S. military protection in 2003 after the American-led invasion of Iraq, but now the Iraqi government wants it out. The trouble is that the Iranians don't want to leave.

Iraq Reconstruction Program Needs Its Own Rebuild

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0400

The U.S. government established the "CERP" fund — Commander's Emergency Response Program — to win hearts and minds in Iraq by building schools, roads and water purification facilities that the country needs. Today, almost two years later, the program is still marred by allegations of corruption and waste. Stuart Bowen, the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is leading the battle to clean up CERP. He joins host Scott Simon to talk about the progress he's made and where he'd like to see improvement.

Iraqis Fear New Enemy: H1N1 Virus

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:43:00 -0400

Fewer than 500 cases of H1N1 have been reported in Iraq, but it's not uncommon to see schoolchildren walking home wearing surgical masks. Fear of the virus has caused a rash of school closures, and is even preventing some Iraqis from making this year's pilgrimage to Mecca.

Iraq Election Delays Threaten U.S. Troop Withdrawal

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:35:00 -0400

The deadlock over Iraq's election law is threatening to become a full-blown crisis. Without a deal by this weekend, Iraq will run out of time to organize an election before the government's term expires. A long delay might even trip up the pace of American troop withdrawal.

Battle Against IEDs Spreads From Iraq To Afghanistan

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:01:00 -0400

Homemade bombs are the biggest killer of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, one idea that has worked to protect troops from the bombs is called Task Force ODIN. Now, that strategy, which relies on aerial surveillance video, is heading to Afghanistan.

Search Is On To Protect Troops From Deadly IEDs

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:01:00 -0400

Homemade bombs, or IEDs — improvised explosive devices — are the biggest killer of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon has spent about $14 billion to try to defeat them. At Aberdeen Proving Ground, north of Baltimore, scientists analyze the latest devices to help figure out how to save lives in the field.

U.S. Efforts In Iraq, Afghanistan Stumble On Elections

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:04:00 -0400

In both Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States has run into serious challenges from the same obstacle — election woes. A rigged election in Afghanistan has jeopardized the Obama administration's strategic review, while Iraq's failure to pass an election law could end up delaying a drawdown of U.S. troops.

Death Toll Rises To 155 In Dual Baghdad Bombings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:23:00 -0400

The bombings targeted two government buildings, calling into question the state's ability to protect itself as it prepares for January elections and the U.S. military withdrawal.

Iraq's Deadliest Bombings Since 2007

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:36:00 -0400

A double car bombing in Baghdad Sunday was the worst to hit the Iraqi capital in two years. Scores of people were killed. The violence is most likely political in nature, and there could be more incidents to come because Iraq's political season is just beginning.

Photos: Twin Bombings Rock Baghdad

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:42:00 -0400

Two suicide car bombs exploded in downtown Baghdad Sunday, killing at least 155 people and delivering a powerful blow to the heart of the fragile city's government in the worst attack of the year.

Double Car Bombs Kill More Than 150 In Baghdad

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:38:00 -0400

Suicide bombings Sunday targeted two government buildings and called into question Iraq's ability to protect its people as U.S. forces withdraw.

Car Bombs Target Baghdad Government, Kill Dozens

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:46:00 -0400

More than 100 people are dead after a pair of suicide car bombs exploded in downtown Baghdad. The attacks appeared to target government buildings. NPR'S Quil Lawrence gives host Liane Hansen the latest updates.

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