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As the war in Iraq winds down, a private research group begins efforts to count the number of Iraqi civilians killed in the conflict. But the Center for Defense Information says the task is complicated by ongoing fighting, and by the lack of an official government in Iraq. Hear Mark Burgess of the Center for Defense Information.

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.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Raad Alkadiri, Director of Market Intelligence for PFC Energy, about the current state of Iraq's oil operations.

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.

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.

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.

Writer, actor, director, comedian and host of Le Show, Harry Shearer. He's starring in the new folk music mockumentary A Mighty Wind, directed by Christopher Guest, who also directed Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman. Shearer also starred with Guest in the classic heavy metal parody This is Spinal Tap. Shearer's public radio show is now in its 19th year.

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.

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.