Middle East

The flags of the United Arab Emirates and Israel are raised on the Peace Bridge in Netanya, Israel. The UAE flag was displayed to celebrate last week's announcement that the two countries have agreed to establish diplomatic relations.

World News

Opinion: Israel And UAE's Accord Is A Big Win, But Don't Overplay It

4:42pm August 19, 2020

by Aaron David Miller

If the deal holds, the United Arab Emirates will be the first Gulf state to normalize relations with Israel, but there are many potential bumps in the road, writes Aaron David Miller.

Iraq's Prime Minister To Visit White House

4:04pm August 19, 2020

by Jane Arraf

A new Iraqi prime minister is visiting Washington, D.C., and expected to meet with President Trump Thursday to discuss the future of U.S. troops in Iraq. It's an important visit for both countries.

A Member Of Hezbollah Found Guilty Of Killing Lebanon's Ex-Prime Minister

5:11pm August 18, 2020

by Ruth Sherlock

A U.N. tribunal has found a member of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah guilty of killing a former prime minister but says it has no evidence of the group's leadership involved.

World News

Turkey Considers Quitting Treaty On Violence Against Women

4:24pm August 18, 2020

by Peter Kenyon

The Turkish government is considering pulling out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women. But the proposal prompted opposition and protests.

World News

COVID-19 Lockdown At Refugee Camp In Jordan Is Tough On Young Syrians

8:25am August 18, 2020

by Jane Arraf

Teens in an isolated refugee camp for 80,000 Syrians have trouble with remote classes and finding something to do during the coronavirus lockdowns.

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World News

Peace Talks Between Afghanistan, Taliban Expected To Begin Soon

8:40am August 16, 2020

by Diaa Hadid

Negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban to end 40 years of war will begin soon. But some say Afghan officials hope to delay talks until there's a new administration in Washington.

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World News

Untangling Lebanese Politics

5:40pm August 15, 2020

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Maha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center, about the challenges of dismantling Lebanon's entrenched political system.

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U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman speaks during a briefing at the White House on Thursday.

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U.S. Ambassador Says Israel's Agreement With UAE Holds 'Enormous Upside'

6:43pm August 14, 2020

by James Doubek

Israel and the UAE agreed to move toward normal diplomatic relations. For one perspective on the prospective deal, Morning Edition talked to U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.

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People wave Lebanese flags at a protest near the Beirut port on Tuesday. Last week's explosion has prompted new hopes for political change, but enormous challenges remain.

World News

Mass Protests Have Followed The Beirut Explosion. What's Next?

5:40pm August 14, 2020

by Ruth Sherlock

Last week's explosion has prompted new hopes for political change. But enormous challenges remain. Here's what's at stake and how things may play out.

U.S. Seizes More Than 1 Million Barrels Of Iranian Petroleum From Tankers

4:14pm August 14, 2020

by Jackie Northam

The U.S. says it has seized more than 1 million barrels of Iranian fuel from four tankers heading to Venezuela. The move is part of the Trump administration's campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.

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