Defense Secretary Carter: Iraqi Forces Lack 'Will To Fight' ISIS
Ash Carter, in an interview on CNN, said that the ISF lost Anbar despite "vastly outnumbering" fighters of the self-declared Islamic State.
Middle East
With Syria's Army Losing Ground, A Boost From Hezbollah
President Bashar Assad has suffered a series of recent military setbacks. But Hezbollah keeps fighting in alliance with Syria's army, and it scored a recent victory along the border with Lebanon.
Iranian Court Begins Espionage Trial Of 'Washington Post' Reporter
Iran's state news agency says Jason Rezaian, 39, "is accused of espionage for the US government and activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Game For Ancient Grain: Palestinians Find Freekeh Again
The young, roasted form of wheat has been eaten in the Middle East for millennia. But over time many Palestinians replaced it with rice. Now it's becoming a nutritious, native food worthy of pride.
Ex-Israeli Leader Ehud Olmert Sentenced To 8 Months In Corruption Trial
Olmert, who led Israel until 2009, unlawfully accepted money from a U.S. supporter. He is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.
Trial In Iran Nears For 'Washington Post' Reporter Jason Rezaian
Jason Rezaian has been imprisoned in Tehran for nearly 10 months by the Iranian government. He is accused of vaguely-defined espionage charges.
As ISIS Expands Its Control, U.S. Policy Is Questioned
The so-called Islamic State captured two strategic cities recently: Ramadi, Iraq, and Palmyra, Syria. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks to Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins about the U.S. strategy toward ISIS.
A Wedding And A Challenge: Lebanese Couples Fight For Civil Marriage
No one ever said marriage was easy, but in Lebanon, it's even harder: The country has 15 sets of matrimonial laws for 18 different religions and sects. Activists want the right to civil marriages.
Obama Faces Criticism For Light Footprint Strategy Against Islamic State
President Obama says the U.S. is not losing the fight against the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Iraq, but his strategy has come under criticism after the fall of Ramadi.
Self-Declared Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Saudi Mosque Attack
A suicide bomber killed several people in a Shiite mosque in Saudi Arabia Friday, raising fears of anti-Shiite violence there.