Iran Lobbying Battle Heats Up On The Airwaves
Lawmakers have left Washington, D.C., for August recess, but intense lobbying over the Iran nuclear deal followed them home.
Middle East
U.S. Investigating Whether ISIS Used Chemical Weapons Against Kurds
Reports have said the self-proclaimed Islamic State likely used mustard gas against Kurdish forces. Officials tell NPR they have not determined what chemical, if any, was used.
ISIS Beheads 81-Year-Old Scholar Who Tried To Protect Antiquities
Archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad was killed in Palmyra, Syria, after he reportedly refused to answer ISIS's questions about where ancient artifacts were hidden.
Greek Island Of Kos Burdened By Migrant Migration
Millions of migrants and refugees are trying to get into the European Union. One way in is via the Greek islands. The migration is making a major impact on the island of Kos.
Israeli Court Suspends Detention Of Palestinian Prisoner On Hunger Strike
Israel's highest court temporarily suspended Tuesday the detention of a Palestinian prisoner who had been on a hunger strike for two months.
Prominent Syrian Archaeologist Killed By ISIS In Palmyra
The Islamic State has beheaded a prominent Syrian archaeologist in Palmyra, Syria. The city is home to Roman ruins under threat amid ISIS' record for destroying antiquities.
Syrian Rockers, Fleeing War, Find Safety And New Fans In Beirut
Members of a Syrian indie rock band escaped their country's bloodshed and have become a mainstay of Beirut's music scene. "In spite of all the deaths," the band sings, "you are still alive."
For Syrian Refugees Hoping To Reach Europe, Turkey Is The Jumping Off Point
The southwestern coast of Turkey has become the departure point for thousands of migrants seeking the short boat trip to a nearby Greek island, which is the first step into Western Europe.
Turkey Hears Criticism For Failing To Control Flow Of Migrants
Turkey is on the defensive for not preventing refugees from going to Western Europe. But the country is already struggling to host the 2 million people who fled the war in Syria.
U.S. Says It Will Remove Patriot Missile Defense From Turkey In October
The missile defense system deployed to Turkey in 2013 will be withdrawn so the batteries can be updated and modernized, according to a joint U.S.-Turkey statement.