Middle East

Obama administration sources tell NPR they won't try to stop the release of Jonathan Pollard, who was convicted of spying for Israel and is eligible for parole in the fall.

As Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visits the region, Saudi Arabia seems to have changed its mind about the nuclear deal between Iran, the U.S. and other world powers.

In Arabic, haqq is the word for truth. Muslim software designers gathered recently for a "haqqathon" to develop social media products that can compete with violent extremists online.

Germany has already sent a delegation to Iran as it looks to restore trade ties. Under the recent nuclear deal, many sanctions will be lifted. But not everyone is thrilled with Germany's move.

Secretaries Kerry, Munoz and Lew defend the Iran nuclear deal on Capitol Hill Thursday before a panel that includes several skeptical lawmakers, including two Republican presidential candidates.

They protested against the Assad regime in 2011, hoping for democracy. Now they're in exile, fighting extremists for their country's future and trying to provide a lifeline for others back in Syria.

Egypt has intensified its military response against insurgents who've pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State. But some warn that the government's crackdown is creating more extremists.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter makes a surprise visit to Iraq, where U.S. and Iraqi forces have been preparing to launch an offensive against Islamic State forces.