Meet Iraqi boy band UTN1

In the late days of Saddam Hussein's Iraq, a group of middle class boys with musical talent and big ambitions came together.

The boy band they formed - called "Unknown to No one" (UTN1) - was modelled on the Backstreet Boys. When Saddam's regime fell, they hoped that their love songs would make them a hit in the West.

Caroline Hawley, the BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, got to know the group during the chaotic aftermath of the war in Iraq.

Now after years of separation and uncertainty, they have re-formed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents tells their story on Thursday, 25 December, 2008 at 1102 GMT, repeated on Monday, 5 January, 2009 at 2030 GMT.

You can also hear more on BBC Radio 4's PM programme.

Go to UTN1's website.