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The northern Iraq city of Mosul sits astride the Tigris River on the main road south to the Sunni heartland and the capital, Baghdad. As a result, it is considered a key prize in the Iraq war and an intense struggle to control the streets is under way. Philip Reeves is embedded with U.S. forces in Mosul.

U.S. military commanders say American and Iraqi forces have occupied the entire city of Fallujah, although pockets of resistance remain in the city following a week of intense fighting. The civilian toll is still being assessed. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

The fighting in Fallujah rouses strong -- but mixed -- emotions among Iraqis. It is also triggering further violence in several parts of the country. Insurgents reportedly mounted the third major attack on the Iraqi police within four days, storming their bases in Baquoba, 40 miles from the capital. Hear NPR's Philip Reeves.

Installing high-quality military leaders is key if Iraq's security forces are to become effective enough to allow American troops to return home. But with rampant corruption and the constant threat of assassination, finding those commanders is proving difficult. A look at one Iraqi commander.

Telephone and Internet connections are only intermittently available in the wake of King Gyanendra's move to sack his government and assume power himself. The king is attempting to stifle public opposition to what some of his critics are calling a royal coup.

India's ruling Congress Party is led by an unlikely pair. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a former finance minister and a reclusive workaholic, while Italian-born Sonia Gandhi, widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, is considered the real power. Despite skepticism when they took office, Singh and Gandhi have proven effective leaders.

The U.S. military wants to begin a reconstruction program in Fallujah once the last pockets of insurgent resistance have been overcome. But many Fallujah residents say all they want from the U.S. is the departure of American troops. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Elections in Afghanistan are scheduled for Oct. 9. Interim President Hamid Karsai is the best known of 18 candidates for the presidency. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Philip Reeves.

The United States and Australia are sending hundreds more troops to Afghanistan in the run-up to September's parliamentary elections. In recent months, the Taliban and other militants have stepped up their attacks. The elections are seen as a step toward democracy, but warlords continue to hold considerable power.

Car bombs kill more than 30 Iraqis in Samarra, and more attacks wound more tha 20 American Marines in Ramadi. U.S. and Iraqi forces stepped up attacks on Fallujah, preparing for a major offensive against insurgents there. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and NPR's Philip Reeves.