He took one of the deadliest migrant routes, hoping to save his cancer-stricken son
NPR speaks to the family of a Syrian refugee who died along with possibly hundreds of other people in a shipwreck off the Greek coast in June.
Middle East
Lebanon considers way to fight an invasive species ruining the pine nut harvest
Workers in Lebanon climb high up pine trees for a valuable export: pine nuts. But the important source of revenue is being choked off by an invasive pest.
How to laugh in the face of sorrow: Insights from a Lebanese sweets shop owner
Nassim Haddad has seen his share of disaster and loss. At 79, he says of his philosophy: "I start again from the beginning. I start from zero. I [am not] afraid from anything."
Nearly 2,000 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean this year. Here's why
Flimsy boats, EU policies and an increase in migrants attempting the crossing are some of the factors converging to make this year an especially deadly one.
In a year of great sacrifice, Turkish Muslims mark Eid al-Adha with charity and hope
In many Muslim-majority countries around the world, this is a festive week, a time to celebrate the "Eid al-Adha." Turkish Muslims are marking an annual holiday with charity — despite high prices.
They set sail with dreams and met disaster: Stories from the ill-fated migrant ship
Hundreds of illegal migrants from Pakistan and other nations were aboard, hoping to land lucrative jobs in Europe. We talk to family members, some still awaiting news of the fate of their loved ones.
Standing where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon, 2 million Muslims perform Hajj
This is the largest pilgrimage since 2019, after which the Hajj was dramatically curbed due to coronavirus restrictions that limited the pilgrimage to just a few thousand people.
Hajj pilgrimage is expected to be the biggest since the COVID pandemic
The annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage has begun — drawing around 2 million people to Mecca. Crowd control poses a challenge as pilgrims perform the physically and spiritually demanding journey.
Through the eyes of Palestinian Americans: Settlers' rampage in West Bank village
A village in the West Bank has been a place of rest and reunion for Palestinian Americans but it came under attack this week by Jewish settlers calling to avenge the deaths of four Israelis.
While sub disappearance transfixes some, many say their focus is on other calamities
The wealth of the submersible Titan's passengers contrasted with the desperation that pushed hundreds of migrants to leave their homes and try to reach Italy by boat last week.