Pope Francis: 'Many Tears This Christmas'
In his annual Christmas Day blessing, the pontiff condemned killing in Iraq, Syria and Pakistan and the "brutal persecution" of religious and ethnic minorities.
Middle East
U.S. Strikes Have Killed 1,100 ISIS Fighters And Cost $1 Billion
Spending exceeds $8 million per day. Operation Inherent Resolve, as the U.S.-led operation against the Islamic State is known, is getting its own inspector general to oversee government costs.
Islamic State Captures Jordanian Pilot In Syria
Jordan says one of its pilots was captured by the self-titled Islamic State in Syria. The plane crashed while the pilot was conducting airstrikes against the militants. The U.S. military is trying to determine the cause of the crash.
What Has Changed Since Airstrikes Against ISIS Began?
The U.S.-led air campaign against ISIS has been going on for nearly five months. Audie Cornish speaks to Eric Schmitt of The New York Times about how militants' capabilities have changed.
Jordanian Plane Goes Down Over Syria; Islamic State Captures Pilot
U.S. military officials tell NPR they believe the plane wasn't shot down by ISIS, and they're still working to determine what brought the plane down.
For Syria's President, The Year Ends Better Than It Began
Syria's civil war is still raging with no end in sight. But Bashar Assad remains entrenched in Damascus and many argue his position improved over the year as the U.S. began bombing the Islamic State.
British Citizens Warned To Behave In The United Arab Emirates
In the style of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," Britons are warned no drunkenness or kissing at Christmas in Dubai. The British Embassy says, "We love seeing you all, but not for the wrong reason!"
Kurds Put Their Independence Dreams On Hold
When Iraq was rapidly fracturing this summer, the Kurds started talking about independence that they've been seeking for a century. But now, the priority seems to be battling the Islamic State.
Celebrating Hanukkah In A Palestinian City
American Jewish college student Amelia Wolf spent Hanukkah last year in Ramallah. As the holiday approached, she was lonely — until her Palestinian hosts got wind of how she was feeling.
Jordan Hangs 11 After 8-Year Execution Moratorium
Jordanians who had been convicted of murder were executed Sunday. There had been a moratorium on the death penalty there since 2006. Lawmakers called for it to be reinstated to curb a rise in crime.