Iraq can only cultivate about half of the farmland it usually does due to drought
Drought in Iraq means the country is only able to grow less than half its usual produce and is forcing mass migration from rural communities.
Middle East
The U.S. has new COVID vaccine rules for international travelers. Here's what to know
The requirements set by the Biden administration take effect Nov. 8 and cover approved vaccines, exceptions for the unvaccinated and protocols after arrival.
Hackers threaten to expose the user database of an Israeli LBGTQ dating site
Hackers have taken the records from an LGBTQ dating site, used primarily by gay men, in Israel — threatening to expose its users unless they are paid.
Kuwaiti trans woman got 2 years in prison for 'impersonating the opposite sex'
NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with activist Badriyyah Alsabah about Maha Al-Mutairi, a trans woman in Kuwait who was sentenced to two years in prison for "impersonating the opposite sex."
10 embassies call for Turkey to release imprisoned civil society leader Osman Kavala
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to expel 10 Western ambassadors, including the U.S., because they have criticized the detention of civil society advocate Osman Kavala.
The world's largest Ferris wheel just opened in Dubai
The Ain Dubai takes more than half hour for one complete rotation. It stands at more than 800 feet tall — nearly double the London Eye's height.
Erdogan's motivations behind the move to expel ambassadors from Turkey
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has told his Foreign Ministry to expel 10 ambassadors, including the U.S., for demanding the release of businessman Osman Karvara, who has been imprisoned by Turkey.
Palestinian protests turn deadly as Israel considers the future of a new settlement
Israeli settlers are pressing ahead with a new outpost on occupied West Bank land — closing it off to Palestinians and posing a test for Israeli leaders who will have to rule on it.
Fear, panic and anger grips Beirut residents who want to see accountability
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Rami Rajeh, a Lebanese father of two, about how Beirut feels days after deadly clashes erupted in the city, and how residents are coping with an economy in shambles.
Several people killed at protest held by Hezbollah supporters in Beirut
Tensions that had been building for months in Lebanon erupted in violence Thursday in Beirut. Several people were killed at a protest being held by Hezbollah supporters.