Islamic State

A Libyan fireman stands in front of a flaming oil storage tank in northern Libya's Ras Lanouf region on Jan. 23. It was set alight in fighting with the Islamic State, which has established a strong presence in the country and taken control of the city of

World News

Squeezed At Its Base, ISIS Grows More Dangerous Elsewhere

3:52pm March 23, 2016

by Greg Myre

The Islamic State has been steadily losing ground in its self-described caliphate of Syria and Iraq. But it is becoming more potent with its terror attacks in Europe and North Africa.

Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday announces that the U.S. has determined that the Islamic State is committing genocide against Christians and other groups in Iraq and Syria.

John Kerry: ISIS Is Carrying Out 'Genocide'

1:17pm March 17, 2016

by Greg Myre

The secretary of state says the atrocities by the radical Islamic group constitute genocide against Christians, Yazidis and Shiite Muslims.

A group of young Muslim friends in Washington, D.C., meets occasionally to support each other in their work and discuss the struggles their community faces.

This Is Our Islam: To Be Young, Devout And Muslim In America Today

10:20am March 10, 2016

by Tom Gjelten

For Muslim-Americans, there was a world before Sept. 11 and after. Now, the dual threats of extremism and atheism threaten them further. A group of friends in D.C. voice their frustrations, and hopes.

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Recenty released letters from former al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden show he warned against declaring an Islamic state too soon. He also feared that rival jihadist groups could battle each other, as has happened between al-Qaida and ISIS.

Osama Bin Laden Warned Of Civil War Between Jihadi Groups

12:54pm March 07, 2016

by Mary Louise Kelly

The recently released bin Laden papers include letters in which the al-Qaida leader warned against establishing an Islamic state too soon. He also feared conflicts between rival Islamist groups.

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World News

Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens South Of Baghdad

8:07am March 06, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

A bomber detonated a truck full of explosives south of Baghdad, NPR's Alison Meuse reports. At least 45 people are dead.

Two pictures show the minaret (top) of Aleppo's ancient Umayyad mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on April 16, 2013, and the rubble (bottom) after it was blown up on April 24, 2013.

World News

Some Take Massive Risks To Save Syria's Cultural Heritage

6:48pm February 28, 2016

by NPR Staff

Reporter James Harkin traveled through war-torn Syria to witness how many historical treasures were destroyed - and how some people are scrambling to save what's left.

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Syrians drive past government billboards in the capital of Damascus on Saturday, as a partial cease-fire — the first major truce of the five-year war — takes hold. Guns fell silent at midnight in suburbs around the capital and the bomb-scarred norther

World News

During First Day Of Syrian Truce, 'Cessation Of Hostilities' Mostly Honored

1:53pm February 27, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

The truce, which falls short of a cease-fire, appears to have been observed by most parties. But the Islamic State, not included in the agreement, launched a new attack in northern Syria.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testifies Tuesday before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on worldwide threats.

Key Moments From The U.S. Spy Chief's Annual 'Litany Of Doom'

3:30pm February 09, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, National Intelligence Director James Clapper says "unpredictable instability has become the new normal."

Iraqi families displaced from the areas of Hawija and Hamrin in northern Iraq traveled to Kirkuk governorate in search of safety on Aug. 31. Thousands continue to flee ISIS-held areas.

World News

As Noose Tightens Around ISIS In Iraq, Civilians Flee Hunger And Cold

2:03pm February 01, 2016

by Alice Fordham

Conditions are worsening in one ISIS-controlled area of Iraq. In pursuit of safety and stability, thousands of civilians are walking for days over the Hamrin Mountains, often without water or sleep.

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Syrian pro-government forces and residents gather at the site of suicide bombings in the area of a revered Shiite shrine on the outskirts of Damascus, on Sunday. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for bombings that killed at least 45 people.

World News

Blasts In Damascus Kill At Least 45; Islamic State Claims Responsibility

10:17am January 31, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

A car bomb and two suicide bombs struck near a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims on Sunday. Groups aligned with Bashar al-Assad often use the defense of the shrine as a rallying cry for recruits.