Abu Ghraib? Abu Gharib?

[Acsenray]

Regarding the name of the prison where the photographs of abuse of prisoners were taken. The newspapers spell it "Abu Ghraib," but broadcasters keep pronouncing it "Abu Gharib." Which is correct? Are American broadcasters just unable to pronounce "Ghraib"?

[Olentzero]

Abu Ghraib. The 'ai', as best I understand it, is pronounced similar to 'eye'. The 'gh' is a little harder; it's kind of like exhaling and pronouncing a hard 'g' at the same time.

Newbie Arabic speaker here; YMMV.

[CalMeacham]

I've been noticing this, too, and it bugs me. Every newscaster, from the BBC on down to my local news, seems to pronounce it "Gharib", with the "r" separating the syllables. This doesn't seem to be warranted by the spelling which, even if it is rendered as two syllables ("Ghra -- eeb") wouldn't put the "r" between them.