Middle East

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia has died. He was born before Saudi Arabia was even a country. David Greene talks to journalist and author Thomas Lippman about the king's death.

Abdullah put forward the Arab Peace Initiative for a deal with Israel, cracked down on al-Qaida within the kingdom, and became known as a ruler committed to reform. But the moves were limited.

Resignations by the president and his Cabinet after rebels took control of much of the capital have compounded the political crisis. David Greene talks to Yara Bayoumy, a correspondent for Reuters.

U.S. military advisers are keeping a low profile in Yemen after Huthi rebels staged a near coup. Sources tell NPR that U.S. special operations forces are still doing operations, but nothing to antagonize the Huthis. Meanwhile, White House officials are meeting to see what the changes mean for the counter-terror fight that President Obama lauded as a success only five months ago.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, says it will kill the two hostages if the ransom is not paid. Renee Montagne talks to Anna Fifield, Tokyo bureau chief for The Washington Post.