Middle East

World News

Jordanians Weigh Risks And Rewards Of Being A Close U.S. Ally

7:16am November 28, 2014

by Emily Harris

Jordan has joined the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. A training base in Jordan, paid for in part by the U.S., symbolizes the two countries close and sometime controversial alliance.

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Iconic Lebanese Singer Sabah Dies At 87

7:16am November 28, 2014

by Leila Fadel

Sabah rose to fame in Egypt in the 1950s and became a household name across the Arab world, known for her powerful voice and bold persona.

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Pope Francis waves in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican. The pope heads to Turkey on Friday, a country with few Catholics, but he plans to reach out to Muslims and to the Orthodox Church.

In A Land Of Few Christians, Pope Will Reach Out To Muslims In Turkey

7:12pm November 27, 2014

by Sylvia Poggioli

Pope Francis will meet with Turkey's Muslim leaders and the head of the Orthodox Church in what may be the most challenging trip of his young papacy.

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World News

Israel Is A Homeland For Jewish People — But Is It A Jewish State?

7:12pm November 27, 2014

by Emily Harris

Israel was founded as a homeland for the Jewish people. But a proposal to define it in law as a Jewish state has become a hot-button political issue. Opponents say it's a undemocratic mix of religion and law.

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OPEC Ministers To Consider Cuts To Oil Production

12:12pm November 27, 2014

by Peter Kenyon

One of the most closely watched OPEC meeting in years takes place in Vienna on Thursday. Oil prices are at a four-year low and a push for a production cut is being stymied by Saudi intransigence.

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An Iraqi child, whose family fled from Islamic State violence in the northern city of Mosul, stands outside a tent that serves as a school in the southern city of Najaf on Sunday. Some 2 million Iraqis have been driven from their homes by fighting this ye

World News

Amid Violence, Iraq Fractures Again Along Religious Lines

7:06pm November 25, 2014

by Alice Fordham

Nearly a decade ago, Iraq's war drove millions from their homes and divided the country along sectarian lines. It's happening again in response to the latest brutality by the Islamic State.

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Iran Nuclear Negotiators Miss Deadline, Ask For More Time

10:15am November 25, 2014

by Peter Kenyon

Negotiators extended a temporary deal limiting Iran's nuclear program, which was set to expire. Secretary of State John Kerry said Iran has been living up to the deal and talks should continue.

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Kerry Urges Congress To Ease Up On Iran Nuclear Negotiators

8:02am November 25, 2014

by Michele Kelemen

Secretary of State John Kerry is urging lawmakers to give diplomats some more time to negotiate a final nuclear deal with Iran. Republicans are skeptical of the administration's overtures to Tehran.

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What's Preventing A Nuclear Deal With Iran?

8:02am November 25, 2014

Renee Montagne talks to Hooman Majd, an Iranian-American journalist, who writes extensively about Iran. An interim deal between Iran and Western powers was struck more than a year ago.

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Israel's Cabinet OKs Controversial Nationality Measure

2:10pm November 24, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The bill, which must be approved by Parliament, defines Israel as "the nation-state of the Jewish people." It has angered not only Israel's Arab citizens, but also members of the coalition government.