Fears Of Sectarian Violence Grow In Baghdad
As Iraqi and American forces battle militants in the north, there are fears the turmoil could fuel new killings in the capital.
Middle East
Sen. Kaine: Strikes On Islamic State Must Be Approved By Congress
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., discusses the need for President Obama to seek Congressional approval before moving ahead with military actions against the Islamic State.
State Dept. Officials Work To Verify Islamic State's Beheading Video
In a new video released by the militant group Islamic State, American journalist Steven Sotloff appears to be killed by extremists associated with the group.
Savvy PR Campaign Has Lured Many To Fight In Syria's Civil War
More than 500 people may have traveled from the U.K. to Syria to fight in its civil war. Arun Rath talks to Jessica Stern, author of Terror In The Name Of God, about how it's drawing Westerners.
Foley's Mother: We Didn't Want Him To Go Back To Syria
Diane Foley tells NPR that her son, slain journalist James Foley, "could have done so many other things. But he, I think, was drawn to some of the drama, some of the rawness of the conflict zones."
Egypt, UAE Airstrikes In Libya Blindside U.S. Diplomats
David Greene talks to David Kirkpatrick, a correspondent for The New York Times, which reported that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates collaborated on airstrikes against Islamists in Tripoli.
In Hostage Negotiation, Qatar Plays Middleman To Prove Its Worth
The small, gas-rich Arabian Gulf nation of Qatar played a key role in freeing U.S. hostage Peter Theo Curtis after nearly two years in Syria.
American Journalist Freed After Nearly Two Years In Captivity
New England native Peter Theo Curtis was freed Sunday, after being held by Islamic militants in Syria since October 2012. Another American journalist, James Foley, was killed in Syria last week.
U.S. Journalist Held In Syria Since 2012 Is Freed
Peter Theo Curtis was released by Jabhat al-Nusra, known as the Nusra Front. Last week, American journalist James Foley was beheaded in Syria by the group which now calls itself the Islamic State.
Egypt's Shifting Role As Mideast Mediator
Egypt has historically played a primary role as mediator in Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. But now, that role is in doubt. Scott Simon speaks with NPR's Leila Fadel about Egypt's shifting role.