Middle East

An Islamist rebel group in Aleppo called "the Authority for the Promotion of Virtue and Supporting the Oppressed" reviews applications for aid on Feb. 25. In addition to handing out aid, the Islamist group says it is carrying out civilian administration i

World News

Courts Become A Battleground For Secularists, Islamists In Syria

6:49pm March 14, 2013

by Deborah Amos

Islamist brigades are competing with pro-democracy civilians to shape Syria's future. In many areas in rebel-held northern Syria, Islamists have set up religious courts that deliver rulings under Shariah, or Islamic law.

Queue Listen Now

Ahmad "Harvester" Heidar is a computer software engineer whose work for the Syrian rebels includes sweeping the hard drives of detained anti-government activists, and trying to develop a robot that will help extract sniper victims in Syria. Turkish offici

World News

Syrian Cyber-Rebel Wages War, One Hack At A Time

8:27pm March 13, 2013

by Deborah Amos

A 28-year-old computer wizard known as the Harvester, along with his online rebel friends, have hacked into a pro-regime TV station as part of their ongoing battle against the government's electronic army.

Queue Listen Now

World News

When Insects Go Biblical: Swarms Head Toward Israel

8:47am March 10, 2013

A plague of locusts has recently moved from the Sinai Peninsula into southern Israel. Host Scott Simon talks with NPR's Larry Abramson about the swarms that have arrived just a few weeks ahead of the Passover holiday.

Queue Listen Now

A Palestinian laborer works at the site of a residential construction project funded by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Mar. 21, 2012.

World News

Palestinians Still Feel The Squeeze Of The Restrictions On Gaza

8:43am March 10, 2013

by Larry Abramson

Local builders in Gaza say they can't find everyday items like cement and gravel. Yet Israeli officials say they have widened the categories of items allowed into Gaza.

Queue Listen Now

The Syrian "Dead City" of Shanshrah, in northern Idlib province. A U.N. World Heritage site, the Dead Cities of northern Syria date back to the first to fifth centuries.

World News

Displaced Syrians Bring Life To Ancient 'Dead Cities'

10:41pm March 08, 2013

Millions of Syrians who have fled their homes are finding refuge in unimaginable places. In the northern province of Idlib, displaced Syrians have found shelter in ancient archaeological ruins that until recently were frozen in time. In some cases, the living share space with the dead.

Queue Listen Now

John Kerry, A 'Recovering Politician,' Settles Into Diplomatic Role

8:44pm March 06, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

John Kerry's first trip as secretary of state took him to Europe — where he spent time growing up as the son of a diplomat. Kerry, who also had stops in the Middle East, says he can't speak as freely now as when he was a senator.

Queue Listen Now

Kerry: We're Trying To Offer Syrian President A Rational Choice

6:20pm March 05, 2013

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State John Kerry is wrapping up his first official overseas trip to Europe and the Middle East. He's shifted U.S. policy on Syria, offering direct assistance to the opposition coalition and non-lethal aid to fighters. He's also offered Egypt's Islamist government $190 million to avert a budget crisis and he's warning Iran that talks can't go on indefinitely.

Queue Listen Now

World News

With Syria In Shambles, The Uncertain Future Of Hezbollah

8:46am March 03, 2013

Syria is one of the most important backers of the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. If the Assad regime falls, Hezbollah will face an uncertain future. New Yorker staff writer Dexter Filkins discusses what shifts in Syria could mean for the future of the Middle East.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Hezbollah Trial Offers Clues To How Militant Group Operates

8:46am March 03, 2013

Audie Cornish talks to Nicholas Kulish, a New York Times reporter, about the trial of Hezbollah member Hossam Yaakoub earlier this week in Cyprus and what it has revealed about the inner workings of the organization.

Queue Listen Now

Syrian Rebels: New U.S. Aid Not Helpful Without Weapons

6:30pm February 28, 2013

by Deborah Amos

The top rebel commander in northern Syria was not impressed with Secretary of State John Kerry's announcement of new direct U.S. aid to the rebels and their political leaders.

Queue Listen Now