Middle East

Trump Administration Closing Diplomatic Mission That Represents Palestinians In D.C.

4:46pm September 10, 2018

by Michele Kelemen

The Trump administration is shutting down the Palestinian diplomatic post in Washington, D.C. The move comes after big U.S. aid cuts to the Palestinians and the United Nations agency that supports them.

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Greek Police Jails Rescuer Of Fellow Asylum Seekers

5:56pm September 09, 2018

by Joanna Kakissis

A Syrian refugee who was lauded for helping to rescue fellow migrants in 2015 has now been arrested by Greek police, accused of various charges including people smuggling.

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World News

Syrian Rebels' Last Stronghold: Why Idlib Matters

5:56pm September 09, 2018

Observers are expecting the Syrian regime to launch an offensive on Idlib, the rebels' last major stronghold. NPR's Michel Martin speaks to The Guardian's middle east correspondent Martin Chulov about how the offensive could be a decisive moment in the course of the Syrian Civil War.

World News

Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent In Basra, Iraq

11:43am September 08, 2018

by Jane Arraf

Anti-government protesters set fire to the Iranian consulate in Basra, Iraq. Security officials say forces guarding the building withdrew to prevent clashes with demonstrators.

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World News

What's Next In The Syrian War: Idlib

8:05am September 08, 2018

Robert Malley of the International Crisis Group tells NPR's Scott Simon about the danger an attack on Syrian rebels in Idlib poses to hundreds of thousands of already displaced people.

An Iraqi demonstrator poses outside the torched Iranian consulate on Friday, as protests over poor public services broke out in the city of Basra.

Angered Protesters In Basra Torch Iranian Consulate

7:20pm September 07, 2018

by Sasha Ingber

Frustrated that the oil-rich Iraqi city hasn't provided clean water, steady electricity and jobs, demonstrators set fire this week to government buildings as well as political and militia offices.

Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, seen in 2017, is one of the facilities expected to be affected by a cut in U.S. aid to Palestinians.

World News

New Cuts In Medical Aid To Palestinians By Trump Administration

6:34pm September 07, 2018

by Daniel Estrin

President Trump said he's trying to pressure the Palestinians into negotiating a peace deal with Israel. The aid had covered critical care for Palestinians at Jerusalem hospitals.

World News

Many In Syria Worried That Government Is Preparing To Launch Assault On Idlib Region

5:14pm September 07, 2018

by Michele Kelemen

The fate of close to 3 million Syrians living in the Idlib region hangs in the balance as leaders of Iran, Russia and Turkey met in Tehran to discuss the situation on Friday, while U.N. diplomats met in New York.

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A member of the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the "White Helmets," walking through the wreckage of their center, which was destroyed Thursday by government forces in the town of al-Tamana in rebel-held Idlib province.

World News

U.S. Envoy Warns That Syria Preparing To Use Chemical Weapons In Idlib

8:21am September 07, 2018

by Scott Neuman

Special Representative for Syrian Engagement Jim Jeffrey says the U.S. has "lots of evidence" that the Damascus government is preparing for a "reckless escalation" of the conflict.

World News

Trump Administration Is In No Hurry To Leave Syria, U.S. Envoy Says

6:12am September 07, 2018

by Michele Kelemen

The new U.S. envoy for Syria, James Jeffrey, says the U.S. is committed to maintaining a presence in Syria until ISIS is fully gone and Iranian forces are out.

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