Middle East

World News

Some Syrians React To U.S. Withdrawal With Worry, Fear

11:37pm December 24, 2018

by Ruth Sherlock

Syrians who've allied with U.S. forces in the fight against ISIS are now worried about their security and future after President Trump's sudden decision to withdraw troops from the country.

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Syrian demonstrators wave the national flag during a demonstration in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Sunday, asking for the Syrian army's protection as Turkey threatens to carry out a fresh offensive following the U.S. deci

'We Will Curse Them As Traitors': Syrian Kurds React To U.S. Troop Withdrawal Plan

4:00pm December 24, 2018

After President Trump's decision to pull out U.S. troops, residents of northeastern Syria tell NPR they feel betrayed. Syrians, led by Kurdish fighters, have lost thousands in the fight against ISIS.

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World News

Syrians React To U.S. Troops Winding Down ISIS Mission In Syria

7:49am December 24, 2018

by Ruth Sherlock

President Trump says it's time to pull U.S. ground troops out of the fight against ISIS there. The announcement surprised a lot of people, including his military advisers. How do people in Syria feel?

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News Brief: Government Shutdown, Tsunami, U.S. Troops To Leave Syria

7:49am December 24, 2018

The federal government is likely to remain partially shut down until after the new year. The death toll is expected to rise after a tsunami hit Indonesia. U.S. troops wind down their mission in Syria.

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This Christmas, Some Syrians Fear Consequences Of U.S. Troop Pullout

6:07pm December 23, 2018

by Ruth Sherlock

Just days after President Trump announced plans for the U.S. to withdraw from Syria, residents of northeastern Syria are concerned about how that will affect them.

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U.S. Troops Withdrawal Could Disrupt Women's Gains Amid Fight Against ISIS

6:07pm December 23, 2018

Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells NPR's Michel Martin that pulling U.S. troops out of Syria will endanger the extraordinary gains women have made there.

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Allies In Syria Concerned Over ISIS Or Turkey Invasion After U.S. Troops Leave

8:01am December 23, 2018

by Ruth Sherlock

NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports that on the surface, things appear to be normal after President Trump decided to pull U.S. troops. But underneath, there is fear and anger about what be next.

From left: Man Kaur of India celebrates after competing in the 100-meter sprint in the 100+ age category at the World Masters Games in Auckland, New Zealand; an illustration inspired by a list of global poverty thinkers being called a "Sausagefest"; Marya

6 Fearless Women Who Were An Inspiration In 2018

7:09am December 23, 2018

by Malaka Gharib

They broke taboos and stereotypes around the world. They include the co-recipient of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, a disability activist — and a 101-year-old runner.

Brett McGurk, the special presidential envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, announced his resignation days after Secretary of Defense James Mattis also resigned.

World News

U.S. Envoy To The Coalition Against ISIS Resigns Over Trump's Syria Policy

6:21pm December 22, 2018

by Shannon Van Sant

Brett McGurk's decision to accelerate his departure from the Trump administration comes on the heels of Secretary of Defense James Mattis' resignation earlier this week.

Sanitation kits and soap provided by USAID is transported for displaced people in Gaza City on Aug. 15, 2014. The Trump Administration has slashed more than half a billion dollars to the Palestinians this year.

World News

Trump Administration Warns Palestinian Aid Recipients That Funds May Soon Be Cut

2:45pm December 22, 2018

by Daniel Estrin

The U.S. Agency for International Development told grant recipients by email Saturday to start planning for the possibility that their funding could end by January 31.