Here's a cool link to first hand accounts of what's happening on the ground in Iraq. Sort of like a diary.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4613785.stm
I think this is a really great idea. It really puts a human stamp and face on the "news". There's different experience, nothing "partisan". I think you'll get a lot out of it.
Did you guys hear the recent news of trying to raise teachers salaries in Iraq? I'd say that is a positive. And of course, another car bombing too unfortunately. There's good and bad.