Seeds developed over thousands of years may help farmers adapt to climate change
A seed bank in rural Lebanon is proving important for food production in regions all over the world adapting to warming temperatures.
Middle East
American Siamak Namazi is on a hunger strike in Iranian prison. Why now and for what?
Namazi is on a hunger strike to mark the seventh anniversary of a prisoner swap that did not include him, and calling on Biden to free detainees in Iran. His lawyer spoke with NPR about those efforts.
A music school wants to revive Turkish and Syrian connections through song
Founded by refugee musicians, a music institute in Southern Turkey tries to revive forgotten Syrian classics and integrate Turkish and Syrian cultures with music the two have shared for centuries.
Siamak Namazi, imprisoned since 2015 by Iran, has begun a hunger strike
The Iranian American businessman's hunger strike marks seven years after he was left out of a prisoner swap when the Iran nuclear deal took effect. He's appealing to President Biden for action.
Excavators say they've found a previously unknown Egyptian royal tomb in Luxor
Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the tomb may date back to the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, which occurred between 1550 B.C. and 1292 BC.
Thousands of Israelis have attended a protest against the Netanyahu government
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv on Saturday night to protest plans to overhaul the legal system and weaken the Supreme Court.
Israelis are protesting against the Netanyahu government's proposals to weaken the judiciary
Opponents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are holding protests over his government's proposals that would allow parliament to interfere with court decisions.
Journalist says Netanyahu's new government is a 'threat to Israeli democracy'
Journalist Anshel Pfeffer says the Israeli prime minister has a "strange detachment" when it comes to social issues — which opens the door for conservative members of his coalition to make changes.
The UAE names the head of its main state oil company to lead COP28
The United Arab Emirates is preparing to host this year's global U.N. climate summit, but its pick to lead the talks is raising eyebrows.
UAE names its oil company chief to lead U.N. climate talks
The United Arab Emirates nominated Sultan al-Jaber, who both leads Abu Dhabi's state-run oil company and oversees its renewable energy efforts, to be the president of climate negotiations in Dubai.