An Afghan farmer working in his vegetable field in Nangarhar Province. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

This week on War News Radio, we hear about small businesses in Afghanistan that are trying to offer farmers an alternative to planting poppies – by making soap and perfume. Emily Hager reports. Read the transcript here.

Then, we hear about how an Afghan-American boxer is teaching girls in Kabul how to roll with the punches. Elise Garrity reports.

We also hear about Afghanistan’s bumper poppy crop and the people who make sure it doesn’t end up on the streets. Meghna Sachdev reports.

Finally, we hear how the fall of the Taliban opened up new opportunities for women in Afghanistan. Anna Grant reports.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

A roadside book market in Baghdad. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

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

We meet an Iraqi filmmaker who dared to shoot a movie on the streets of Baghdad. Hansi Lo Wang reports.

Then, we hear from struggling musicians, trying to keep the music alive in the war zone. Dan Symonds reports.

Next, we take a look at how American television shows have changed Iraqi perception of the US. Emanne Desjardin reports.

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

Finally, we hear from a chef who works the grill in Baghdad. Listen now to this report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

An Iraqi police captain at a graduation ceremony for former Sons of Iraq at the al-Furat Police Training center. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

This week on War News Radio, we learn about the transfer of the Sons of Iraq from American to Iraqi control – and what awaits the Sons of Iraq after the transfer is complete. Elizabeth Threlkeld reports. Read the transcript here.

President Elect Barack Obama has promised to increase the number of American troops in Afghanistan. We speak with several Afghans about their opinions on that plan, and their impressions of American troops currently on the ground. Madeleine Abromowitz reports.

Then, we find out how growing up in a war zone is impacting the way children play in Iraq. Anna Shechtman reports.

Finally, we hear from an Afghan refugee in Fremont, California about his life in the United States. Calvin Ho reports.

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

Market stands line Baghdad street. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

This week on War News Radio, we compile the most compelling stories that we’ve heard over the past year in our series, A Day in the Life.

First, we hear from Fuad Mufta, an Iraqi refugee in Syria, about his hopes for getting political asylum in the United States. Elise Garrity prepared this report.

Next, we speak with a refugee who found his way to the United Kingdom, but is now second-guessing his decision to leave. Listen now to this report.

We also talk with a garbage collector about his work. Ayub Nuri reports.

Then, we speak with a chef in Baghdad about his restaurant’s day to day operations. Listen now to this report.

Next, we hear from an Imam from the town of Hawija about his struggles to guide the faithful through difficult times. Listen now to this report.

Finally, we talk with a nurse in Kirkuk’s general hospital about how he treats victims of explosions. Listen now to this report.

These stories this week from War News Radio.

Iraqi women stand at a Baghdad checkpoint. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

This week on War News Radio, we learn about how the “Daughters of Iraq” have helped to decrease the rise of female suicide bombers in Iraq. Elizabeth Threlkeld reports. Read the transcript here.

We also hear about why the reopening of a Baghdad bridge has brought hope to Sunnis and Shiites alike. Elise Garrity reports.

Then, we find out about the challenges facing Iraq’s internally displaced people as they think about how – and where – to vote in the upcoming provincial elections. Jess Engebretson reports.

Finally, we check in on the current state of higher education at two very different universities in Iraq. Dani Noble reports.

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