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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.

In a middle class neighborhood on Baghdad's southern edge, dozens of unexploded bombs lie on the road and hang in trees. American soldiers are gradually dealing with the threat. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.

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.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new novel “The Wife”(Scribner) by Meg Wolitzer.

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.

At least 16 cases of cholera are reported in the southern Iraq city of Basra. The World Health Organization says it fears the reports represent just a glimpse of an outbreak that may be affecting hundreds more. Hear Marc Santora of The New York Times.

The University of California at Berkeley announces that students from several Asian countries won't be allowed to attend summer school. School officials are concerned that they have no facilities to quarantine students who may contract severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. Fears about the spread of SARS are also affecting business in San Francisco's Chinatown. Deirdre Kennedy of member station KQED reports.

Silicon Valley-based technology firms are increasingly worried about the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, on business. Many manufacture computer parts in Asia and are preparing for business disruptions if the disease continues to spread. NPR's John McChesney reports.

Chinese health officials report 80 new cases of SARS, nearly half of which are in areas outside Beijing where hospitals are less prepared to deal with the disease. But inspectors from the World Health Organization say China is taking the right steps to stop the spread of SARS in rural areas. NPR's Richard Harris reports.

China's highest court threatens harsh new penalties -- including life in prison -- for anyone caught violating quarantine orders or otherwise intentionally spreading SARS. The move comes as China steps up efforts to battle SARS in rural areas, where poor conditions at health care facilities may make it easier for the virus to spread. NPR's Richard Harris reports.