Under Curfew

War News Radio is an ambitious student radio project that has justifiably earned the attention of the national press. Under the guidance of longtime public radio guy Marty Goldensohn, Swarthmore students pick up the phone (or the 'net-based Skype) and report on the Iraq war in this weekly half-hour show.

In this installment, we hear newsy pieces about U.S. counter-insurgency efforts and the recent uprising in Ramadi. And in a particularly fresh and touching report, Elizabeth Threlkeld tells the stories of two young Iraqi women who had plastic surgery. One thought her nose was too big. The other had her nose blown off by a U.S. missile during the battle for Baghdad in 2003.

Yes, this is student radio, in large part an educational experience for its participants--and obviously a very good one. But these students are writing and voicing their pieces with skill. The biggest weakness of War News Radio is that it's done over the phone from Pennsylvania--although, let's face it, as Iraq becomes more and more dangerous, Baghdad-based reporters are increasingly reporting from the safety of their rooms, too.

War News Radio is worth a listen. It would make a terrific addition to any college or university station.