Search results for

Elements of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division moved closer to Baghdad today. They clashed with Republican Guard troops, who are better trained and equipped than Iraqi army regulars. Despite the strength of the Republican Guard, some American troops prefer fighting them over fighting the Fedayeen and other irregulars who attack from civilian areas. There's less moral ambiguity in battles pitting soldier against soldier. U.S. commanders estimate 200 Iraqi Republican Guard troops were killed today in a battle near the town of Hindiya. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Attacks by Iraqi irregulars against U.S. forces are growing in intensity, according to U.S. military commanders. Though troops continue to press toward Baghdad, the ambushes are slowing their progress. NPR's John Burnett is traveling with the Marine's 1st Division in Iraq.

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Joan Shelley's new song, and an HBO reality show that sets up single parents.

U.S. and British military commanders prepare for an "extended" war in Iraq. Adjustments in the war plan recognize that Iraqi citizens have not welcomed the invasion, and in some cases are forming counter-insurgency groups. More U.S. troops are on the way to Iraq, and could shift from a support role to a battlefield role. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

British forces capture an Iraqi general in the southern city of Basra. A spokesperson says the general is the highest-ranking Iraqi prisoner of war thus far. Meanwhile, U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities in Baghdad, including a presidential palace, a military intelligence complex and the barracks of a paramilitary training center. Hear NPR News.

Wednesday's civilian deaths in Baghdad increase hostility toward the United States in many Arab nations. Vehement protests in Cairo are contained by Egyptian police. NPR's Michael Sullivan reports.

Ten days into the war in Iraq, U.S. and British senior commanders insist their war strategy is working. Despite weather and logistics problems, commanders say the air campaign has weakened Saddam Hussein's grip on Iraq, and U.S.-led troops have suffered relatively few casualties. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster.

Mike Luckovich, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, got a behind-the-scenes look at the Pentagon this week. He was allowed to sit in on briefings with the defense secretary and top generals and came away with some surprising insights. Read his War Diary and see a sketch from his visit.

The United Kingdom is going after what it calls the "lavish lifestyles" of the daughters of Russia's president and foreign minister.

Following arguments in two cases that challenge a University of Michigan policy that considers race in admissions, the Supreme Court appears evenly split on the issue. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who signals she believes race can be one of many factors used in choosing among many qualified applicants, is viewed as the decisive swing vote. Hear NPR's Nina Totenberg.