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The tiny Persian Gulf state of Qatar has deep pockets and a big microphone in the form of its news network, Al Jazeera. In recent months, those assets have been used to propel the Arab Spring forward. Qatar has supported rebel movements in Libya and Syria, and is promoting a "Marshall Fund" for Oman, Morocco and Jordan. The country's emir has close, personal relationships with the emerging Islamist leaders from Casablanca to Cairo — and meanwhile provides a home to the largest U.S. military base outside the United States.

The Vatican announced Sunday an arrangement to allow disaffected Episcopalian congregations in the United States to join the Roman Catholic church. The arrangement will allow an exemption to priestly celibacy for former Episcopal priests who are married.

Researchers presented a group of professional violinists with a set of violins and asked them to play and then determine — based on sound alone — which were made by the famed Italian violin-maker Stradivari and Guarneri. The results surprised everyone, including the pros themselves.

NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson joins All Things Considered host Melissa Block to talk about Tuesday's Iowa caucuses.

Seniors who aren't tech savvy can find themselves increasingly isolated, even from their families, as more and more communication moves to the digital realm. Across the country, a number of programs are enlisting high school or college students to train seniors on Facebook, Skype and smartphones.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Puzzlemaster Will Shortz and KUT listener Dan Tatje of Georgetown, Texas.

In 2024, some of the most striking music we heard managed to be haunting and comforting at the same time.

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, founder and drummer of The Roots, has written a new book. "Hip-Hop Is History" is a very personal take on the influence of rap and how it's changed, for better or worse.

NPR's Eric Deggans plays the puzzle with CapRadio listener Greg Felton of Stateline, Nev., and Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with Stan Durey of Anacortes, Washington and puzzle master Will Shortz.