Middle East

A wounded Syrian, suffering skull, stomach and pancreas injuries from an explosion, in intensive care at Ziv Medical Center in Israel. Hospital staff asked that faces and names not be included to protect the safety of the Syrian patients who could get in

World News

An Unlikely Refuge: Some Wounded Syrians Treated In Israel

10:40am September 15, 2013

by Daniel Estrin

Many Syrians have fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring countries. But Israel and Syria are enemies, and Israel hasn't opened its gates to Syrians fleeing the violence. But it has helped about 200 injured Syrians get medical attention. The Syrians come to Israel at great personal risk.

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A U.S. Marine carries a light flame-thrower while wearing experimental clothing designed to protect against atomic, biological and chemical warfare in 1960.

Breaking Down Chemical Weapons, One Fact At A Time

8:00pm September 14, 2013

by NPR Staff

As the U.S. and Russia announce a deal to dismantle Syria's chemical weapons program, we take a step back to look at where the weapons came from, what they're made of and how to get rid of them.

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World News

In Syria Debate, Obama's Internal Dialogue Becomes Audible

6:21pm September 14, 2013

by Scott Horsley

President Obama's approach to Syria has taken a number of surprising twists and turns in the weeks since a poison gas attack in August. A surprise agreement between Russia and the U.S. on a timetable for destroying Syria's weapons is the latest in what appears at times to be an unscripted drama.

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World News

Saudis At Odds With U.S. Over Egypt

6:56am September 13, 2013

by Peter Kenyon

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states are stepping in with billions of dollars for Egypt's military as it attempts to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood as a political force. The exception is Qatar, which along with Turkey, is left to condemn the ouster of Egypt's Islamist president last month. The rift poses new challenges for U.S. policy in the region.

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World News

Are Weapons Getting To Syrian Rebels?

6:13am September 13, 2013

We're going look more closely at whether the United States is providing arms to Syria's rebels. The commander of the Free Syrian Army General told Morning Edition on Thursday that his group was not receiving weapons. But American officials contend they are providing weapons to the rebels.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Syria to turn over its chemical weapons to avoid a strike by the U.S.

World News

What's Driving Russia's Tactical Change On Syria?

7:14pm September 11, 2013

by Corey Flintoff

Until recently, Russia seemed unable or unwilling to do anything to head off a U.S. strike against Syria. Now, it's running with a plan to have Syria place its chemical weapons under international control. The strategy allows nearly all sides to save face politically.

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2 Democratic Senators Propose Alternate Plan For Syria

7:08am September 10, 2013

President Obama on Tuesday meets with Democratic senators to press his case for military action against Syria. Two moderate senators are offering an alternative plan. It would delay military action for 45 days, and give Bashar Assad another chance to get rid of his chemical weapons. Steve Inskeep talks to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota about the plan.

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Obama Prepares For Speech On Syria

7:08am September 10, 2013

by Mara Liasson

On Tuesday night, President Obama will address the nation — asking for support of his plan to punish the Syrian regime for a chemical weapons attack near Damascus last month. The president must deal with widespread skepticism about his plan.

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At the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, many families struggle to get clean water, food and health services.

Humanitarian Aid Agencies Brace For Fallout From Syrian Strikes

11:04am September 09, 2013

by Jason Beaubien

Millions of Syrians have poured into refugee camps, where food, water and health services are scarce. As the U.S. prepares for possible military action, aid agencies are preparing for thousands more people to flee and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

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Rep. Cole Weighs In On Syria Resolution

7:25am September 09, 2013

The White House is pursuing a major effort to persuade members of Congress to support a military strike in Syria. Estimates show the number of House members publicly against a strike near an outright majority. Renee Montagne talks to Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma who is opposed to military action.

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