Set to the sounds of haunting Iraqi melodies and U.S. soldiers’ rapping, the war documentary “Gunner Palace” is a visceral tour of American soldiers’ lives in Amidhiya, one of the most volatile neighborhoods in Baghdad.

The documentary tracks the 400 members of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment who occupied Gunner Palace, the nickname Americans gave to the bombed-out, garish mansion of Saddam Hussein’s son, Uday.

The film shows the soldiers leading raids, patrolling streets, and even playing in their former enemy’s literal backyard.

On the second anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq, hear a discussion with the filmmaker and a soldier featured in the documentary about American soldiers’ experiences in Iraq.

Guests:

Michael Tucker, co-director and co-producer of the documentary “Gunner Palace”

Capt. (Ret.) John Powers, served in Baghdad for 14 months with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment that lived in “Gunner Palace.”