Covering news in Iraq is never simple. Driving a short distance to a news conference can take hours because of searches and checkpoints.

Photographers and reporters arriving at the scene of an attack have to deal with increasingly strict regulations - and sometimes the seizure of their equipment. And there is the constant danger of shootings, bombings or abductions.

Even verifying facts - a straightforward, simple task in most places - is frequently difficult because of conflicting reports from officials.

In an asap podcast, AP Baghdad bureau chief STEVEN R. HURST discusses the complexities of news coverage in Iraq with AP deputy international editor NICOLAS B. TATRO.

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Click here to download the podcast: http://asap.ap.org/data/interactives/-news/podcast/0608asap-tatro.mp3