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WNR 101
Listen to previous editions of Iraq 101 and Afghanistan 101, where we put down the newspaper and pick up the history book to figure out how we got to where are today in Afghanistan and Iraq.
One of the obstacles that a new Iraqi government must overcome is the divide between Sunni Muslims and Shi’a Muslims. But what is the nature of this division?
Learn about the schism between these two denominations of Islam.
Since we live in a country that divides church and state, we often forget that many governments are based on religious codes. Iraq is trying to decide how Islam will fit into their new constitution.
Hear about Islamic Law and the role it could play in the new Iraq.
Why does Iraq look like it does today?
Listen to the story of British influence in the forming of a new nation.
Iraq used to have one of the most powerful militaries in the world. Where did it come from, and what happened to it?
Listen to the history of the Iraqi Army.
Iraq is no stranger to violent transfers of power. But even with the violence, some are smoother then others.
Listen to the story of the fall of the monarchy in the 1958 coup.
We speak with two biographers of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the infamous leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, and examine the man and the myth.
Listen to a portrait of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Find out how loyalty to the tribe can shape Iraqis’ relationship with the state and with each other.
Learn about tribal identity in Iraq today.
The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001. But who were they, and how did they come to power? How is the Taliban resurgence different from the old guard?