War News Radio

A woman buying vegetables in Baghdad.
Photo courtesy of Ayub Nuri.

This week on War News Radio, we explore the current food crises gripping Iraq and Afghanistan.

First, we talk about the state of agriculture in Iraq and why food production is coming up short. Listen now to Kristin Caspar’s report.

Afghanistan is experiencing a shortage of its most important staple: wheat. Anxieties are rising along with food prices, as Afghans struggle to find solutions. Elise Garrity and Asher Sered report.

Then, we chat with Robin Lodge from the World Food Program in Iraq. As food prices rise around the globe, how and how much is Iraq affected? Listen now to Elizabeth Hipple’s report.

Finally, three Iraqis from Kurdistan tell us about the day-to-day problems they face when buying and selling food. Sonny Sidhu and Elizabeth Hipple report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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Iraqi soldiers pushing one of their vehicles to start the engine in their military base in Kirkuk. Photo courtesy of Ayub Nuri.

This week on War News Radio, we salute this year’s War News Radio alums with our “Best of 2008 Grads” show.

First, we hear from Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan, and take a look at how their lives are changing as their resources dwindle. Listen now to Haley Loram’s report.

Then, U.S. service members aren’t the only American forces in Iraq. Thousands of private military contractors are performing jobs once reserved for enlisted forces. But, are they doing a good job? Listen now to Alex Marlowe Ginsberg’s report.

Then, we hear how U.S. service members in Iraq are using Facebook to keep in touch. Listen now to Anne Kolker’s report.

Finally, an Iraqi couple tells us how the war has changed Iraq’s singles scene and how the Internet has helped them stay connected. Listen now to Wren Elhai’s report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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Iraqi Mandaens bless themselves with water from a temple pool in Baghdad.

This week on War News Radio, we explore the impact the war in Iraq has had on the country’s religious communities, both inside Iraq and elsewhere.

First, we learn about the history of one of Iraq’s most threatened religious minorities - the Mandaens. Listen now to Hansi Lo Wang’s report.

Then, we talk with an Iraqi Mandaen now living in the US to hear what the future may hold for his community. Listen now to Elizabeth Threlkeld’s report.

We take a closer look at Iraq’s Sunni-Shi’a divide and at the different beliefs and practices that separate the two groups. Listen now to Alan Smith’s report.

Finally, in our series, A Day in the Life, we hear about the frustrations of an Iraqi Imam as he struggles to guide the faithful in times of fear. Listen now to this report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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Iraqi intellectuals converse at an art gallery in Baghdad.

This week on War News Radio, we take a look at how war in Iraq has affected local artists and their work.

We meet Mohamed al-Daradji, an Iraqi filmmaker who dared to shoot a movie on the streets of Baghdad. Listen now to Hansi Lo Wang’s report.

Then, we hear from struggling musicians, trying to keep the music alive in the war zone. Listen now to Dan Symond’s report.

Next, we take a look at how American television shows like Oprah and Dr. Phil have changed Iraqis’ perception of the US. Listen now to Emanne Desjardin’s report.

And we learn about the effects that the war has had on Iraq’s once-bustling book markets. Listen now to Elise Garrity’s report.

Finally, in our series, A Day in the Life, we hear from a chef who works the grill in Baghdad. Listen now to this report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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Iraqi police officers on the job in Basra.

This week on War News Radio, we proudly present some of our favorite pieces from the spring.

First, we find out about the slow progress that has been made towards assembling Iraq’s security forces. Listen now to Wren Elhai’s report.

Next, joblessness is taking a unique toll on women in Iraq. We hear about how the unemployment situation is changing the work environment for women. Listen now to Jess Engebretson’s report.

Then, we speak with US Army Brigadier General Edward Cardon about how oil infrastructure fits into the American military strategy for rebuilding Iraq. Listen now to Elizabeth Threlkeld’s report.

Finally, in our series “A Day in the Life”, we speak with an Iraqi refugee who made it to the UK by way of Turkey and Greece–but now thinks leaving was a mistake. Listen now to this report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

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