Middle East

From a nearby mountain, Kurdish forces can see look down into the strategic city. An Iraqi-led assault on the city is planned, but for now the frustrated men hold their territory and train.

Social scientists recently analyzed the effects of removing Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank. They found it markedly reduced anti-Israel sentiment, and actual acts of violence against Israel.

With the Islamic State pushed back, Iraq's Yazidis are returning to their villages — and to mass graves. Now, they guard the remains and are calling on the U.N. to document the killings.

NPR's Steve Inskeep profiles three Iranians who discuss their dreams — and hopes that have been dashed previously.

Iran's Jewish population has dropped dramatically since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But nearly 9,000 Jews remain and many say they've built comfortable lives and learned to accept the limitations.

The self-proclaimed Islamic State appears to be expanding again, with a presence in North Africa and Afghanistan. Three NPR correspondents discuss the evolution of the group.