Search results for

War planners say the ability of Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard to resist the allied ground assault and aerial bombardment will determine the length of the conflict in Iraq. The guard is considered intelligent and adaptive, but some analysts say that without air support, the units are no match for U.S. forces. Hear military analyst Anthony Cordesman.

Humor has always been an important way of easing tensions during times of crisis. NPR's Robert Smith looks at the role of comedy in wartime.

NPR's John Burnett, traveling with the Marine 1st Division in Iraq, reports on the troops' rations, called Meals Ready to Eat, which become the center of life in a combat zone when bullets aren't flying.

Alan Cheuse reviews Property by Valerie Martin. The book takes place on a sugar cane plantation in Louisiana.

For several years now, historical preservationists have been stepping up efforts to transfer millions of hours of precious, perishable sound recordings to a single, stable format. At the Library of Congress, technicians are working feverishly to convert their huge collection of tapes, CDs, LPs, eight-track tapes and other audio formats to a playback format that will stand the test of time. NPR's Rick Karr reports on an effort some observers call foolish.

NPR's Melissa Block speaks with Army Times reporter Sean Naylor, traveling with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division. He says soldiers were involved in heavy fighting last night.

NPR's Michele Norris talks to NPR health correspondent Richard Knox to find out more about SARS. Since the symptoms mimic influenza, many people are worried that their spring allergies and colds might be the start of SARS. Since there are only 70 reported cases of SARS in the United States -- only one of which has been serious -- it's unlikely the public here is at great risk at the moment.

A new poll from the Pew Center for the People and the Press finds that public support for the war remains steadfast. About 70 percent of Americans continue to back the decision to go to war, and that's the case in a Tampa suburb. NPR's David Molpus reports that the mood in military communities like Brandon, Fla., holds steady. At the Catfish Country restaurant most patrons and staff say they're "faithful on the home front."

Rescued American POW Pfc. Jessica Lynch is being treated at a military hospital in Germany. The supply clerk was captured when her unit was ambushed in Nasiriyah more than a week ago. The military has not released any information on 11 bodies found when Lynch was rescued. Jeff Young of West Virginia Public Radio reports.

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.