The Taliban overran the Afghan city of Kunduz earlier this week. This comes just a few months after a new leader took over the Taliban and a year after President Ashraf Ghani took power of the Afghan government.
Russia carried out a series of airstrikes in Syria Wednesday, giving short notice to the U.S. that it also has planes in the air nearby and is calling out for more coordination.
Russia warplanes have begun bombing targets in Syria, according to U.S. officials. They say they were briefed by Moscow about the raids, which came hours after the Russian parliament authorized President Vladimir Putin to use Russian forces abroad.
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Emma Green, who covers religion for The Atlantic, about the Pope's meeting with Kim Davis and the complexities of his politics.
A wine writer travels the world to uncover the stories behind 12 bottles of wine. Each bottle offers insight into politics, environment, economics and community.
Be wary of Russia's role in Syria, the opposition figure warns. He's working the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, pushing for more help for Syria's rebels and civilians.
Joby Warrick, author of Black Flags, traces the Islamic State's development from an al-Qaida-related insurgency in Iraq to a successful jihadist movement that now holds territory in Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. military says a Russian official informed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad about the missions; Syria says it invited Russia's air force to help fight terrorism.
At least seven people are dead in a large city of southern China after a series of powerful explosions that are being blamed on parcel bombs. At least 17 explosions caused the damage.