Tariq Aziz, Saddam's Foreign Minister, Dies At 79
During the first Gulf War until U.S. troops toppled the Iraqi strongman in 2003, Aziz was the public face and defender of an often brutal regime.
Iraq
Former U.N. Envoy To Syria: Iran Has 'Too Much Influence In The Region'
Veteran diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi has taken on tough gigs, but being an envoy to Syria during the civil war topped them all. He now works with The Elders, a group of global leaders working for peace.
Gen. Allen Navigates Complicated Political Landscape To Fight ISIS
Retired Marine General John Allen was appointed by President Obama to build a coalition against the self-proclaimed Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Last month, Ramadi fell to ISIS militants.
Cyber Archaeologists Rebuild Destroyed Artifacts
Hundreds of ancient artifacts have been damaged or destroyed during violence in the Middle East. Researchers are using the power of crowdsourcing and 3-D imaging to re-create the ancient artifacts.
Thousands Who Run, Few Who Fight: A Journalist On Ramadi's Fall
Ayman Oghanna was embedded with Iraqi special forces in Ramadi two days before the city fell to the self-declared Islamic State. He says Iraq's elite forces are capable, but need far more support.
Iraqi Forces Prepare To Reclaim Ramadi From Islamic State
Iraq is preparing to take back parts of Anbar province after the city of Ramadi fell to the self-declared Islamic State earlier this month, dealing a blow to the Iraqi government and militia forces. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to support Iraq with targeted airstrikes against Islamic State militants.
Foreign Policy Experts Weigh In On U.S. Strategy Against The Islamic State
NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with White House spokesman Josh Earnest about the current U.S. strategy in Iraq and Syria. He also interviews foreign policy experts who say that policy needs review.
What Will The Next President Face On #Day1?
This week, NPR looks at four seemingly intractable problems that await the 45th president: stagnant wages, violent extremism, cybersecurity and the federal debt.
After Fall Of Ramadi, Iraqi Troops Hope For More U.S. Support
NPR's Audie Cornish interviews Washington Post reporter Loveday Morris about how the city of Ramadi, Iraq, fell to the self-declared Islamic State. She says Iraqi troops in the city were worn down.
Iraq, Iran Push Back Against Defense Secretary's Comments On Iraqi Forces
In an interview Sunday with CNN, Ash Carter said Iraqi forces lacked the "will to fight" ISIS in Anbar Province and its capital, Ramadi.