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NPR's Ted Clark reports that the Kurds, who are the focus of the latest clash between Iraq and the US, have been divided for centuries by rival empires, nations and their own tribal allegiances. Analysts maintain that they will remain a source of instability in the area until their dreams of ethnic independence are realized, probably by some form of autonomy within the four nations they straddle.

NPR's Martha Raddatz reports that US planes flying over the extended "no-fly" zone in southern Iraq deflected challenges from Iraqi MiGs and one surface-to-air missile radar today, the second day of US cruise missile attacks on Iraqi air defense systems.

NPR's Richard Harris reports that scientists have identified a gene that's central to the most common malignancy in the world -- skin cancer. When this gene is damaged, typically by ultraviolet sunlight, skin cancer often results. The gene is also involved in other cancers and birth defects, so scientists say their find could have even broader implications.

A prominent Democrat in the District of Columbia is pushing a flat tax proposal for the nation's capital, and Republican congressional leaders say it's a good idea. Proponents say it would encourage middle-class residents to stay in the city, and serve as a model for other urban areas, if it works. Critics say the Federal treasury would lose needed tax money. NPR's John Nielsen reports.

Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole and his running mate Jack Kemp addressed black journalists today in Nashville, Tennessee. Aides hope the trip will heal some wounds from Dole's failure to attend the NAACP convention. NPR's Elizabeth Arnold reports.

NPR's Dan Charles reports that researchers have developed an 'artificial nose' that can distinguish different smells using optical sensors. The device may be more sensitive than other attempts to mimic the olfactory sense, and may be useful for environmental and medical purposes. But it's still far less sensitive than the human nose.

NPR'S MaryKay Magistad reports that a leader of a breakaway faction of the Khmer Rouge held a press conference today in Cambodia surrounded by journalists and Cambodian officials. Ieng Sary said he was not responsible for any of the deaths or atrocities committed when the Khmer Rouge held power from 1975-79.

NPR's Martha Raddatz reports that Iraqi air defense forces fired two missiles at two US F-16s patrolling the skies over northern Iraq in what has been a no-fly zone for Iraqi planes. The attack heightened the likelihood that the US would retaliate against Iraqi air defense systems as they did twice last week.

NPR's Richard Harris reports that researchers have determined that the way birds navigate is much more complicated than previously believed. Researchers had thought that birds used the stars to navigate and used the Earth's magnetic field as a back-up. New research indicates birds use the stars to get a general sense of where they are going, and the magnetic field to hone in their exact target.

NPR's Linda Gradstein reports that settlers in Hebron are touting their version of history in tours designed especially for tourists to the region. The settlers are trying to convince tourists that Jews have a unique right to control the holy places of Hebron and to prevent Israel from redeploying Israeli troops from the city.