Iraq is a country that needs a good health system, but the chaos that’s injured thousands of Iraqis has also hit the country’s hospitals and doctors. This week on War News Radio, we examine what some are calling a public health crisis in Iraq.

Also, we look at a program that’s trying to help Iraqi and American children understand each other by painting pictures.

Finally, a rare conversation with Yousif al-Khoei, the grandson of one of Iraq’s most important Ayatollahs. He discusses the past persecution of Iraq’s Shi’a population and who’s responsible for the current bloodshed, versus who’s getting blamed.

These stories, plus the week’s news, from War News Radio.

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The infamous prison at Abu Ghraib is closing. For years, it’s been a symbol to Iraqis – the site of Saddam-era torture and executions, and then of American prisoner abuse. This week on War News Radio, we go behind the walls of Abu Ghraib. We speak to an American who had the job of teaching guards how to behave, and an Iraqi doctor who worked at the prison.

Then, we hear what it’s like for thousands of civilians working for private companies in Iraq, and for their families back at home.

And Elizabeth “BJ” Fernea, author of Guests of the Sheik : An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village, shares her experiences as the wife of an American anthropologist living in southern Iraq fifty years ago.

These stories, plus the week’s news, from War News Radio.

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The three years since the invasion of Iraq have brought fundamental changes to the country and its people. This week on War News Radio, to mark the third anniversary of the Iraq war, we talk with some Iraqis who tell us just how different their lives are today.

Then, we take a look at how the U.S. framing of the war has changed over time and if past wars tell a similar tale.

We also learn about the struggles victims of domestic violence and sexual assault face in Iraq from an Iraqi organization working to protect the country’s women.

And, an Arab philosopher gives us his take on the Iraq war and how it parallels one fought years ago in his native Lebanon.

Finally, we hear from a American soldier wounded in the war as he reflects on his time in Iraq and his return home.

These stories, plus the week’s news, from War News Radio.

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Still fuzzy about the difference between Shi’a and Sunni?

Wondering if America can learn anything from previous occupations of Iraq?

Curious about what in the world Ba’athism really is?

How about Shari’a?

This week, while we’re on spring break, War News Radio is taking you back to school. We’re re-running a few editions of Iraq 101 to bring you up to speed on Iraqi history and bring the latest news into context.

But don’t worry, it won’t be all academic. We’ll also provide some comic relief, with a look at what makes Iraqis laugh.

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Restoring power to Iraq is a crucial step in the reconstruction effort. But this process is dangerous – both for workers and for politicians. This week on War News Radio, we get an update from the front lines of an Iraqi power plant.

Then, we hear from an Iraqi family about the difficulties of raising kids in the middle of a war zone.

Finally, Iraqi expatriate and Political Scientist Sami Zubaida tells us about the history of sectarian violence in Iraq and where he thinks the country is headed.

These stories, plus the week’s news, from War News Radio.