Saudi Women Cast First-Ever Votes – And Vie For Offices
But if they want to vote, women will have to catch a ride: the conservative Islamic kingdom still forbids them from driving.
Middle East
Are Efforts To Overthrow Assad Counter Productive?
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says that in order to defeat ISIS, the U.S. must stop trying to remove Syrian president Bashar al Assad from power. She tells NPR's Scott Simon why.
Women In Saudi Arabia Can Finally Vote, So Why Is Turnout So Low?
For the first time, women can vote and run for office in Saudi Arabia. Some see it as an important symbol of change. Others aren't even aware of the elections.
Putin Says Russia Is Backing Some Syrian Opposition Forces
Russia opposes the Islamic State, but supports Syria's Bashar Assad. Now Moscow says its military is providing weapons and supplies to Western-backed, anti-Assad forces on the frontlines against ISIS.
Egyptian Doctor Found Guilty Of Female Genital Mutilation Isn't In Jail
Dr. Raslan Fadl was sentenced to two years in prison after a girl died in his care. NPR found him working at a government hospital.
Evaluating Britain's Air Campaign Against The Islamic State
Britain began carrying out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria earlier this month. Steve Inskeep talks to Michael Fallon, Britain's Secretary of State for Defence about how the campaign is going.
Saudi Arabia To Hold Historic Elections On Saturday
It will be the first time that women there can vote or run for office. Women's groups have been pushing voter registration drives, but only a small percentage of the voting population has registered.
LISTEN: The Man Who Picks British Bombing Targets In Syria
U.K. Defense Secretary Michael Fallon tells NPR that he has insisted on personally signing off before Royal Air Force Tornado warplanes strike any target in the campaign against ISIS.
Leaked Budget Document Provides Glimpse Into How ISIS Makes Money
NPR explores how ISIS gets its money and why that makes it so hard to turn off the money spigot. We examine how ISIS makes up its budget and manages it through its tax system, fees and the antiquities smuggling strategies.
As War Drags On, Syrian Refugees In Lebanon Sink Into Debt Trap
Barred from legal work in Lebanon, Syrian refugees are accumulating huge debts as they struggle to pay for rent and other necessities.