Middle East

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.

Queue Listen Now

World News

U.S. Airstrike May Have Accidentally Killed Iraqi Troops

6:58pm December 18, 2015

by Laura Wagner

Officials are probing a possible "friendly fire" incident near Fallujah. They aren't speculating on how many Iraqis may have been killed. The airstrikes are part of a coalition effort against ISIS.

The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing a peace process for Syria including a cease-fire and talks between the Damascus government and the opposition.

U.N. Passes Resolution Urging Political Settlement In Syria

6:10pm December 18, 2015

by Laura Wagner

The resolution does not explicitly address the contentious issue of Syrian President Bashar Assad's future in the government. It aims for an end to fighting and a focus on defeating ISIS.

Secretary Of State Kerry Works To Focus Global Leaders On Syria

4:29pm December 18, 2015

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State John Kerry tries to keep up the momentum in talks to resolve the civil war in Syria. Nearly 20 countries are meeting in New York to plan for peace talks expected next month.

If you're heading to China, check out the list of recommended vaccines. And be careful on that ice!

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Mumps: Medical Tips For Year-End Travelers

3:46pm December 18, 2015

by Fran Kritz

Winter travelers need to think about measles, mumps, polio and bug repellents.

U.N. Security Council Takes Aim At Islamic State's Funding Sources

10:24am December 18, 2015

It's hoped the plan will disrupt the financing of ISIS. Renee Montagne talks to Matthew Levitt, a former senior official in the Treasury Department's terrorism and financial intelligence branch.

Queue Listen Now

U.N. Security Council Calls For Crackdown On ISIS Funding Streams

6:48pm December 17, 2015

by Michele Kelemen

The U.N. Security Council meets for the first time on the subject of how to clamp down on the various ways ISIS raises money — from oil sales to extortion.

Queue Listen Now