World News

Russia is Top of Mind at NATO summit

Four years after World War II, leaders from Europe and North America formed an alliance largely aimed at deterring Soviet expansion — the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — NATO.

Seventy-five years later the member states of that organization have come together in Washington to celebrate NATO and plan for its future.

As they did in 1949, the NATO allies believe Russia presents the largest security threat to their world order. The immediate threat is Russia's war with Ukraine, but the allies also worry about the future of America's leadership.

Eight diplomats from the nations closest to Russia weigh in on the threat the country poses to them and the world order.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

The Fate of the Israeli Hostages and the Future of Gaza

The Israeli hostages taken during the October 7th attacks and held in Gaza are a major sticking point in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A spokesperson for Hamas tells NPR not all those hostages are being held by his organization, some are being held by families in Gaza.

And in Israel, what Gaza will look like after major combat operations end is the subject of fierce debate, with military and political leaders so far failing to agree.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates