What is Iraq like five years since the U.S.-led invasion?

We asked some of our Iraqi staff members that question. You can hear their answers here in brief audio clips that speak to the disappointment, frustration and daily dangers shared by many, if not most, Iraqis.

We simply asked Iraqi colleagues to share an anecdote or two, to tell us what they remember most about that first night of "shock and awe" and to paint a picture for the listener about how their own lives have changed in the years since. Keep it conversational, they were advised. Plenty of other folks will make speeches.

But Laith, one of our hard-working correspondents, couldn't help but add a final flourish. After sharing his memories in a calm, even voice, he signed off with a defiant "God bless Iraq."

Of all the anniversary-related personal essays and lofty analyses I read this week, for some reason it was that last line from Laith that stuck.