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What if the notion that the world's people can be divided biologically along racial lines was proven to be a myth -- a social construct that has no basis in science? A three-part PBS documentary series, Race: The Power of an Illusion, tackles the thorny issue of race, biology and how the legacy of racial preferences still permeate U.S. society, 40 years after the Civil Rights Act. All Things Considered host Michele Norris reports.

Some lawyers and economists estimate that Iraq's foreign debt tops $100 billion. Some economists say much of the debt should be forgiven so Iraqis can rebuild their nation all the faster. But creditor-nations likely would balk at sweeping debt forgiveness. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

U.S. troops stationed outside Karbala maintain a low profile as the Iraqi holy city shows signs of a return to normalcy. Electricity is restored, civilian volunteers police the streets and a religious pilgrimage -- banned for decades under Saddam Hussein's rule -- ends peacefully. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep.

NPR's Jackie Northam in Baghdad reports on the war from the perspective of an Iraqi army infantry officer. The Iraqi major says he expected the conflict to last much longer than it did, and he says he feels humiliated by the quick collapse of the Iraqi army.

Postwar interviews confirm that torture in Saddam Hussein's Iraq was commonplace and methodical, with doctors taking part and a reward system for inquisitors who could gain confessions from their subjects. Hear NPR's Linda Wertheimer and Susan Glasser of The Washington Post.

American forces are holding an estimated 7,000 Iraqi prisoners of war, including more than 30 captured Friday in a fresh battle north of Baghdad. Hundreds more Iraqis taken prisoner have been released because they were not soldiers. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Iraqi citizens with television sets now can watch Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings every night, along with Fox Network news and the PBS NewsHour. The networks agree to let their news programs be aired on a television channel being established by the U.S. government in Iraq. Critics say the broadcasts will do little to enhance America's image or to improve local journalism. NPR's John McChesney reports.

For the folks of the Firesign Theatre comedy troupe, Earth Day is an opportunity to preserve pockets of surrealism on our planet. Listen to a collection of Earth Day-related satire and sheer silliness, and learn more about the men behind the microphones.

On February 27, 1991, President Bush Sr. announced the end of war in Iraq, and Aileen Gentry celebrated. Her son, Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth Gentry, had been serving in the Gulf for months. Several days later, Aileen learned her son had been killed just hours before the Bush announcement. This is her installment in the NPR War Diary series.

The Canadian trio The Be Good Tanyas releases its second album, Chinatown. The album is a rich blend of folk, country, old-timey and new-timey music. Meredith Ochs reviews this new release.