Middle East

World News

Syrian Migrant Gets Settled In Germany After Tough Journey

4:20pm December 22, 2015

NPR's Ari Shapiro checks back in with a Syrian man who made the trip to Germany this year. We first met him in the summer when he was in Turkey preparing for his journey.

First Mention: Introducing Al-Qaida To The NPR Audience

4:20pm December 22, 2015

We go back to 1998 for an installment in our occasional feature "First Mention" to hear when we introduced the term "Al-Qaida" to our audience.

Iraqi soldiers advance their position in northern Ramadi, 70 miles west of Baghdad, on Monday.

Iraqi Military Launches Offensive Against ISIS In Ramadi

11:25am December 22, 2015

by Merrit Kennedy

The Iraqi military has encircled the city since last month. Now, with U.S. air support, it's pushing into the ISIS stronghold in the city center.

NPR's Steve Inskeep interviews President Obama at the White House.

Obama Makes 'No Apologies' For Fighting ISIS Within 'American Values'

2:53pm December 21, 2015

by Amita Kelly

In an interview with NPR, President Obama forcefully defended his strategy against ISIS and encouraged Americans to "keep things in perspective."

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appears at the Democratic presidential debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday.

Why Did Hillary Clinton Say The U.S. Is 'Where We Need To Be' In Syria?

5:27pm December 20, 2015

by Arnie Seipel

The statement received widespread criticism, given that ISIS still controls lots of territory inside Syria and inspired the recent attack in San Bernardino.

After A Church Visit, One Muslim Seeks A New Kind Of Attention To His Faith

8:53am December 20, 2015

by NPR Staff

A Muslim man posted a now-viral picture of himself praying at a Mormon church. He and the friend who extended the invitation share how they are bridging religious boundaries during this divisive time.

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World News

Saudi Women React To Election Results

8:43am December 20, 2015

Rachel Martin speaks with Hatoon al-Fassi, Saudi professor and women's rights activist, about that country's recent election results and what it means for women, who can now vote and hold office.

World News

Why Are The New York Times' Tours Of Iran Controversial?

8:04am December 19, 2015

The New York Times is conducting cultural tours of Iran at the same time a Washington Post reporter has been imprisoned there for more than 500 days. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with NPR's David Folkenflik about the controversial program.

World News

New Libyan Peace Deal Could Ease Government Instability

8:04am December 19, 2015

Rival governments in Libya have signed a U.N. peace agreement. After years of unrest, there is now hope for a unified government. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Claudia Gazzini of the International Crisis Group.

An Iraqi man disembarks from a dinghy on a beach after his trip with other refugees and migrants from the Turkish coast to the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos on Friday.

World News

U.N. Says 2015 Forcible Displacement Figures Likely To Break All Past Records

8:41pm December 18, 2015

by Merrit Kennedy

A new study from the U.N.'s refugee agency says the number of forcibly displaced people globally is likely to top 60 million in 2015.

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