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The war in Iraq is taking on powerful psychological overtones, with an unparalleled emphasis on influence, persuasion and intimidation. The old idea of "overwhelming force" is being supplanted by a far more precise effort to send a message to the leaders of the Iraqi regime. The presence of embedded journalists -- and the images they produce -- adds to the effect. NPR's Tom Gjelten reports.

Explosives teams move into southern Iraq, where nine of about a thousand oil wells are on fire. The teams check for booby-trapped wells, and one civilian company makes plans to import water to put out the fires. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster.

As night falls on Baghdad, Iraqi forces set fire to oil-filled trenches in an effort to shield the capital city in smoke. Iraqis brace for a new aerial onslaught following sporadic daylight bombing. Images of Saddam Hussein fill Iraqi television, but officials reject questions about the Iraqi leader's status or whereabouts. Hear NPR's Anne Garrels.

U.S. officials say American forces have captured the southern Iraq city of Nasiriyah and secured a nearby bridge over the Euphrates River, allowing troops to continue their drive toward Baghdad. There had been fears Iraqis would destroy major bridges to impede the U.S. and British advance. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports.

NPR's regular program schedule was pre-empted by NPR News Special Coverage of the war in Iraq. Audio for the entire day is available at the link below.

A military pilot who goes by the call sign "Pac-Man" has the latest installation in NPR's War Diaries series.

Personal accounts and reflections of individuals affected by the Iraq war. Hear Aseel's diary entry.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says U.S.-led forces are about 60 miles south of Baghdad, near Karbala. Blair says U.S. and British troops are likely to encounter a division of Iraq's elite Republican Guard, which Blair calls a "crucial moment" in the progress of the war. Hear NPR News.

Hours after the U.S. launches a pre-dawn missile attack on Baghdad, Iraq launches missiles at U.S. and British troops in Kuwait. In Baghdad, where streets are deserted, Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf accuses President Bush of a crime against humanity in ordering the attack. Hear NPR's Mike Shuster and NPR's Anne Garrels.

NPR's regular program schedule was pre-empted by NPR News Special Coverage of the war in Iraq. Audio for the entire day is available at the link below.