Search results for

As warplanes continue to pound Republican Guard positions near Baghdad, Gen. Tommy Franks says there has been no "operational pause" in the war in Iraq. But he warns the toughest fighting in Iraq is still ahead. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Fires burn in Baghdad as the U.S.-led bombardment of the city and nearby Republican Guard positions reportedly steps up in frequency. Inside the city, the infrastructure begins to degrade as telephones fail and supply shortages threaten. Yet, reporters in the city say Saddam's regime seems in complete control. Hear Paul Eedle.

Elements of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division attack Iraqi Republican Guard positions near Baghdad, while further south, Army units surround the Shiite holy city of Najaf. In Baghdad, U.S.-led warplanes strike facilities including the information ministry and a presidential palace. Hear NPR's Nick Spicer and NPR's Anne Garrels.

Iraqi television broadcasts an alleged statement from Saddam Hussein, urging Baghdad's residents to fight U.S. forces with their hands if necessary. Hoping to avoid drawn-out urban warfare, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld appeals to Iraqi soldiers to surrender, saying they "can still survive and help to rebuild a free Iraq." NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

The military rescues a U.S. Army prisoner of war in Iraq. The Pentagon confirms that 19-year-old Army Private First Class Jessica Lynch of Palestine, W.Va., has been returned to an allied-controlled area. Lynch was a supply clerk with a convoy that was ambushed on March 23 near the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. NPR's Nick Spicer reports.

U.S. troops seize Baghdad's main airport, 12 miles outside the city. Pentagon officials are pleased with the gains made, but still fear stronger opposition as they move forward. Saddam Hussein appears on TV to exhort the people of Baghdad to fight back. NPR's Bob Edwards speaks with NPR's Nick Spicer.

Speaking to Marines at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, President Bush says "a vise is closing" on Saddam Hussein's regime and that the United States "will not stop until Iraq is free." Bush also offers condolences to families of U.S. Marines killed in the war with Iraq. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards, NPR's Christopher Joyce and NPR's Don Gonyea.

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.

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.

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.