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Many American officials and foreign policy experts say the United States has no choice but to stay in Iraq until a stable government is in place. They say pulling out too soon could cause a civil war, create a breeding ground for terrorists and damage American credibility. Now some experts across the political spectrum are challenging that view. NPR's Mike Shuster reports.

In the first of several speeches attacking President Bush's national security policies, Sen. John Kerry accused the president of failing to create an adequate multinational coalition to support efforts in Iraq. But Kerry's criticisms seemed constrained to many, a fact that analysts attribute to Kerry's effort to win swing voters by avoiding a hard-line stance. Hear NPR's David Welna.

Art Spiegelman won many awards for his comic book Maus, based on his father's experiences during the Holocaust. His latest work is an autobiographical comic based on his own post-Sept. 11 life. This book is not finding the same success. David D'Arcy reports.

Avant-garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage's death at age 70 ends a career that made a lasting impact on fellow directors. Brakhage made nearly 400 films, most silent, many quite short. He sought to reflect "every kind of seeing" on film. NPR's Pat Dowell reports.

The U.S. Air Force Museum near Dayton, Ohio, is missing hundreds of items from its archives. Experts say many of the items missing from the world's largest and oldest aviation museum, including 13 unarmed bombs, space mission items and an engine mold for the 1903 Wright Flyer, are considered priceless. Hear Ryan Warner of member station WYSO.

Several of the nation's African-American museums are having a difficult time raising funds and attracting a broader audience. Many rely heavily on public funding at a time when state governments are facing severe budget shortfalls. Recently, museums in Detroit and Philadelphia needed emergency city help to keep their doors open. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

These tough economic times have forced many artists to get creative about survival. Bartering paintings for goods is one way of coping when cash is in short supply. An exhibition that began in Philadelphia and opened in New York this weekend puts art up for barter.

BBC America, available on many U.S. cable TV networks, is offering modern adaptations of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. One of the stories -- "The Miller's Tale" -- has been recast to take place in a karaoke bar. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and Peter Bowker, who adapted the 14th-century literary classic.

Singer Ray Charles has passed away. The 12-time Grammy-winning artist produced many soulful classics, including "I Got a Woman," "Unchain My Heart," "Georgia on My Mind" and "Ruby." Charles was was born in Albany, Ga. He was 73.

Disputes over budgets, autonomy and compensation have raised tensions between Miramix founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein and parent company Walt Disney. The brothers' contract with Disney is due to expire next year, leading many to speculate whether Disney will oust them from the leadership of Miramax, the former indie film company they founded and turned into a powerhouse. NPR's Kim Masters reports.