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NPR's Philip Reeves reports on one of the Iraqi capital's used car dealers. He's a former police colonel, who roams his showroom with a rifle in hand. You can test-drive a Mercedes there, but only if you put down the entire cost of the car beforehand.

In his new book, Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever, former New York governor Mario Cuomo examines the writings and speeches of one of America's most beloved presidents, Abraham Lincoln, on issues relevant to today's world, including pre-emptive war, taxes and religion in politics. Cuomo speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Though Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recently said the situation in Iraq is calming down, insurgents continue to attack government officials, the country's infrastructure and its new security forces in particular. Some 890 U.S. troops have died in Iraq since March 2003. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves and NPR's Steve Inskeep.

A bomb explodes outside a police station in southwestern Baghdad, killing at least nine people and wounding dozens more. The bombing comes as Iraq's new interim government tries to work out differences with opposition groups and stem insurgent attacks. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi allows the Shiite weekly Al-Hawza to resume publication, reversing a decision by recently departed U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer. In Fallujah, attacks by U.S. forces left at least 11 dead. Hear NPR's Brian Naylor and NPR's Philip Reeves.

Writer A. Van Jordan's latest poems imagine the life of MacNolia Cox, the first black finalist in the National Spelling Bee. In his book M-A-C-N-O-L-I-A, Jordan uses a variety of forms and voices to depict Cox's life in 1936. Hear NPR's Susan Stamberg and Jordan.

Critic Dale Peck has built a reputation on harsh reviews of contemporary authors. His new collection — Hatchet Jobs: Cutting Through Contemporary Literature — has elicited a less-than-supportive reaction from the literary world. Steve Paulson reports.

The new interim Iraqi Prime Minister announces the formation of a new security force to try to curb ongoing insurgent violence. But he did so as Islamic militants began attacking non-Islamic businesses such as liquor stores in the capital, a sign the struggle has become one for the very soul of the city. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

In the worst violence since Iraq's new government took over two weeks ago, a car bomb was detonated at the entrance to the interim governments offices, killing 10 and wounding 40. Soon after, insurgents ambushed the governor of Mosul's convoy, killing the governor and two bodyguards. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Iraq's interim government seeks to stem the rampant lawlessness that has plagued Baghdad since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than a year ago. A raid that began Monday night has netted more than 500 suspected criminals. But that may not be enough to stop the wave of kidnappings for ransom that have swept the capital. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.