Middle East

Will The U.S. Arm Syrian Rebels?

12:36pm May 30, 2014

There was some anticipation this week that President Obama might endorse stronger measures to give training to Syria's rebels. The president told NPR the rebels might be better able to use U.S. aid.

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Force And Fear In The Air, As Syrian Refugees Go To Polls In Lebanon

4:02pm May 29, 2014

by Alice Fordham

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are already voting in an election that's seen as Bashar Assad's rigged bid for legitimacy. Many refugees believe that if they don't vote, they'll never be allowed back home.

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Egyptians Vote Monday And Tuesday For Next President

7:23am May 26, 2014

by Leila Fadel

Former military chief Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is the heavy favorite to win. His only rival is leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi, who placed a strong third in the last presidential election held in 2012.

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Pope Francis Wraps Up 3-Day Trip To Middle East

7:23am May 26, 2014

by Emily Harris

Pope Francis is in Jerusalem. He stopped at the holiest Jewish and Muslim sites in that city. The pope has invited Palestinian and Israeli leaders to join him in Rome to discuss Mideast peace.

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After Mubarak, Egypt Appears Ready To Elect Another Military Man

7:23am May 26, 2014

by David Greene

Military dictator Hosni Mubarak was removed from power 3 years ago. The man expected to win the presidential election Abdel Fattah el-Sissi led an on-going crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood.

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Assessing The State Of Human Rights In Iran

6:57pm May 25, 2014

Six Iranians were arrested for a video they posted to YouTube of dancing to the hit song, "Happy." It is the latest sign of the power struggle between the hardliners in the government and the President Hassan Rouhani. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

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In Wake Of Turkey Coal Mine Explosion, Anger Turns On Prime Minister

7:59pm May 14, 2014

A day after an explosion at a coal mine killed at least 245 miners in Soma, Turkey, family members are gathering in protest. Sebnem Arsu of The New York Times offers more details from Soma.

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2007 Ban On Gaza Strip Exports Hurts Palestinian Welfare

7:27am May 14, 2014

by Emily Harris

Agricultural products are the biggest export from the Gaza Strip, but nothing grown there is allowed in the West Bank or Israeli markets. Is the real reason security or competition?

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World News

Documentary Explores Nuclear Deal With Iran

7:27am May 14, 2014

NBC's Ann Curry got special access to Iran nuclear negotiations. Steve Inskeep talks to Curry, and producer Hooman Majd, about their documentary #TwitterDiplomacy: The Making of a Nuclear Deal.

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Syrian Opposition Leader To Meet With White House Official

9:58am May 13, 2014

by Tom Bowman

Key Syrian opposition leader Ahmed al-Jarba is expected at the White House on Tuesday to meet with National Security Advisor Susan Rice. The Syrian civil war has been raging for more than three years.

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