Middle East

World News

Trump Administration Denies Asylum To Some 100 Iranian Christians

6:55am March 13, 2018

by Deborah Amos

The Trump administration has blocked a program that has brought thousands of members of religious minorities from Iran to the U.S. Refugee advocates say some are now stranded in Austria.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Assad-Backed Syrian Forces Split Rebel-Held Ghouta Into 3

7:06am March 12, 2018

by Ruth Sherlock

The Syrian government and its allies have advanced into eastern Ghouta. Civilians trapped in these ever shrinking areas say they are living in terror of what will happen next.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Mattis Aims To Curb Iran's Influence On The Arabian Peninsula

6:24am March 12, 2018

by David Welna

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis is in Oman to discuss U.S. efforts to block Iranian arms shipments to Houthi rebels in Yemen. U.S. special forces are fighting al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

Queue Listen Now

'No Turning Back: Life, Loss, and Hope in Wartime Syria' By Rania Abouzeid.

In 'No Turning Back,' The 'Epic' Journeys Of Four Syrians In Wartime

8:16am March 11, 2018

by Renee Montagne

Journalist Rania Abouzeid has had a front-row view of the Syrian conflict since its beginning. Her new book tracks people through the six chaotic years following the first peaceful protests.

Syrian Army forces say have captured Mesraba and advanced into nearby farmland. It would be significant strategic victory for the government in wresting control of Douma from Islamist insurgents.

World News

Syrian Army Seizes More Ground In Eastern Ghouta

12:21pm March 10, 2018

by Vanessa Romo

The government onslaught on the rebel-held city intensified Saturday. Officials say they've captured Mesraba, effectively cleaving the area into three isolated parts.

World News

Shelling Continues In Eastern Ghouta

8:08am March 10, 2018

There's talk of a ceasefire to allow food into ravaged Eastern Ghouta in Syria, which has been under siege for five years. NPR's Don Gonyea speaks to Mouaid El Deen about what life is like there.

World News

Meet The French Priest Documenting Crimes Committed By ISIS Against Yazidis

5:44pm March 09, 2018

by Eleanor Beardsley

Father Patrick Desbois has spent a decade uncovering the forgotten, mass graves of the 2 million Jews murdered by the Nazis in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Now he's using his same techniques to document crimes committed by ISIS against the Yazidis.

Queue Listen Now

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu talk to the press after attending an exhibit on Jerusalem's Jewish history at the United Nations on Thursday.

World News

Netanyahu Leaves U.S. On A High Note But Troubles Await Him At Home

8:04pm March 08, 2018

by Daniel Estrin

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warmly received in the U.S. — but polls also show about half of Israelis want him to resign due to ongoing corruption investigations.

From left, Zainabu Hamayaji, who pretended to be mad to keep her children from being abducted by Boko Haram; Malebogo Malefhe, a winner of the 2017 International Women of Courage award; Eqbal Dauqan, a scientist from Yemen who could no longer work because

7 Gutsy Women To Know For International Women's Day

11:20am March 08, 2018

by Malaka Gharib

We've profiled some extraordinary women on the Goats and Soda blog. They did not let poverty, war or prejudice keep them from pursuing their goals.

World News

As Bombing Continues In Syria, Voices From Ghouta: 'I Smell The Ash. I See The Bloods'

7:51pm March 07, 2018

In Syria, the relentless bombing of a rebel-controlled area near Damascus has created a desperate situation for civilians. After two weeks under siege, people in Ghouta, Syria share what they're living through.

Queue Listen Now