Middle East

The Economic Crisis In Lebanon May Be One Of The Worst In The World Since The 1800s

4:25pm July 12, 2021

by Ruth Sherlock

The once-thriving middle class in Beirut, Lebanon, has collapsed amid a historic economic crisis. Banks are freezing withdrawals and pharmacies are running out of medicines.

Razor wire and a guard tower stands at a closed section of the U.S. prison at Guantánamo Bay on Oct. 22, 2016.

What Might Happen To Guantánamo Now That U.S. Troops Are Leaving Afghanistan

5:42pm July 10, 2021

by Sacha Pfeiffer

The U.S. military prison in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, was created to hold people captured in Afghanistan and the broader war on terror. As the U.S. pulls out of Afghanistan, what happens to its detainees?

The Taliban's Resurgence In Afghanistan Has Regional Security Implications

12:53pm July 10, 2021

Scott Simon speaks to Ahmad Shuja Jamal, head of international affairs at Afghanistan's National Security Council, about regional security issues in the event of a Taliban takeover.

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Army Brig. Gen. Mark Martins, Guantánamo's chief prosecutor, addresses the media on Oct. 19, 2012, at the end of a week of pretrial hearings for the five alleged architects of the 9/11 attacks. Martins announced his retirement this week.

Chief Guantánamo Prosecutor Announces Surprise Retirement Before 9/11 Trial Starts

10:39am July 10, 2021

by Sacha Pfeiffer

As the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks nears, the case's chief prosecutor has announced his surprise retirement. No clear reason was given for Brig. Gen. Mark Martins' early exit from Guantánamo.

President Biden Defends Decision To Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan

5:00am July 09, 2021

NPR talks to Veteran diplomat Aaron David Miller about Biden's decision, even as a newly-emboldened Taliban continues to gain territory and Afghanistan's military shows further signs of disarray.

Morning News Brief

5:00am July 09, 2021

Two American citizens were arrested in connection with the assassination of the Haitian President. New COVID-19 hotspots emerge. And, Biden vows to stick to his plan to end America's longest war.

President Biden addresses the situation in Afghanistan on Thursday at the White House. He insisted a Taliban takeover of the country is not inevitable and expressed confidence in Afghan security forces.

Biden Defends Decision To Pull U.S. Troops From Afghanistan Despite Resurgent Taliban

5:59pm July 08, 2021

by Scott Detrow

President Biden defended his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan despite the Taliban gaining power and threatening the Afghan government.

The Taliban Have Been Sweeping Across Afghanistan As Foreign Forces Leave

4:33pm July 08, 2021

by Diaa Hadid

The Taliban have been sweeping through Afghanistan as the U.S and other forces pull out of the country and Afghan security forces surrender or flee.

Afghan War Veteran Remains Optimistic After U.S. Withdrawal

4:41pm July 07, 2021

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Aaron O'Connell, a former National Security Council staff member and an Afghan war veteran, about the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Jisr al-Zarqa is home to Palestinian citizens of Israel and one of the poorest parts of the country.

World News

Palestinians Hope Israel's New Government Will Bring Progress To This Poor Town

10:01am July 07, 2021

by Deborah Amos

In the village of Jisr al-Zarqa, residents wish for opportunities available in nearby Jewish towns. They wonder if the new government, which includes an Arab party for the first time, will help.