Middle East

The U.S. on Thursday launched airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militia groups in Eastern Syria.

Syria Airstrikes Resurface Lawmakers' Questions Over Presidential Authority

5:42pm February 26, 2021

by Alana Wise

Some Democrats raised a longstanding debate over presidential vs congressional reach. The administration called the attacks proportionate and said it had briefed congressional leaders ahead of time.

White House Report: Saudi Crown Prince Approved Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's Killing

4:42pm February 26, 2021

by Greg Myre

The Biden administration has released a two-page summary saying that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

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This June 2019 image released by U.S. Central Command, shows damage and a suspected mine on the MV Kokuka Courageous in the Gulf of Oman near the coast of Iran. The U.S. said Iranian forces were responsible.

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Explosion Damages Israeli-Owned Ship In Gulf Of Oman

3:04pm February 26, 2021

by Scott Neuman

The ship's owner said holes were left in the vessel's hull but that no crew members were injured.

White House May Release Reports That Would Test U.S. Alliance With Saudi Arabia

5:34pm February 25, 2021

by Jackie Northam

The White House might be about to release a damning report on the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but it seems intent on maintaining an alliance with Saudi Arabia.

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Israel Begins Phased Reopening To Citizens With Proof Of 2 COVID-19 Shots

5:28pm February 25, 2021

by Daniel Estrin

Israel has vaccinated more of its population than any other country and this week it started opening places like gyms and the theater to people with both shots — but they have to prove it.

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Iran Imprisons Emad Shargi, Ordeal Personally Affects Jason Rezaian

6:31am February 25, 2021

Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post columnist held captive in Iran for more than a year, talks to NPR's Steve Inskeep about another American sentenced to 10 years in an Iranian prison Emad Shargi.

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Victims' Families In Lebanon Aim To Keep Explosion Probe Going

6:31am February 25, 2021

by Ruth Sherlock

The dismissal of the lead judge investigating last year's massive blast in Beirut is raising fears of political interference to protect the country's leaders. The blast killed dozens of people.

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Was Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Involved In Jamal Khashoggi's Death?

6:00am February 25, 2021

by Deborah Amos

The White House says President Biden will call the Saudi King soon and it could be to lay the ground work for the release of a U.S. report on the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

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News Brief: CDC Web Tool, Jamal Khashoggi Report, USPS Delays

5:45am February 25, 2021

CDC launches tool for people to find where to get vaccinated. Biden administration is expected to release a report on the killing of a Saudi journalist. House panel presses postmaster on mail delays.

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Torture Victims See Syrian Intelligence Official Convicted For War Crimes

5:09pm February 24, 2021

by Deborah Amos

In a landmark step in the effort to hold Syrian officials accountable for war crimes, a German court convicted a former Syrian intelligence officer and sentenced him to four and a half years in jail.