Middle East

World News

2017 Marks Turbulent Year For U.S.-Turkey Relations

4:36pm December 26, 2017

by Peter Kenyon

The United States and Turkey have long been allies, with Turkey being a critical U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS. But 2017 was one of the most turbulent years in memory for relations between the two countries.

In U.N. Art Exhibition, Syrian Artist Unpacks Refugees' Baggage

4:19pm December 26, 2017

by Deborah Amos

An art exhibition at the United Nations uses tiny models of refugees' former homes and the suitcases of refugees to tell their stories.

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The U.N. headquarters in New York City is seen here in 2003.

Trump Administration Touts A Smaller U.N. Budget (And Takes Credit For It)

1:11pm December 26, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

The language in the U.S. mission's announcement led some to misinterpret it as meaning that Washington would reduce its own contribution by $285 million next year.

World News

One Of The Many Unresolved Storylines Of 2017 Is Iran

8:25am December 26, 2017

by Peter Kenyon

Ask the Trump administration, and Iran is a country not to be trusted. But another U.S. president made a nuclear deal with Iran, and some U.S. allies are eager to do business with the country.

World News

Trump's Jerusalem Decision Cast A Cloud Over Bethlehem's Holiday Season

4:36pm December 25, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

Christian Palestinians in the West Bank city of Bethlehem face a time of uncertainty and bitterness over President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

World News

'New York Times' Reporter On The Lebanese Prime Minister's Relationship With Saudi Arabia

4:36pm December 25, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel speaks with The New York Times' South Asia reporter Maria Abi-Habib about how Saudi Arabia pressured Lebanon's prime minister Saad Hariri to resign and blame Iran.

Americans Look To Pence For Help In Releasing Their Relatives Jailed In Egypt

4:36pm December 25, 2017

by Michele Kelemen

Americans with relatives jailed in Egypt are looking to Vice President Mike Pence to use his trip to Cairo to push for their release. There are nearly 20 Americans among the tens of thousands of political prisoners in Egypt today.

Morning News Brief

8:24am December 25, 2017

Christmas is celebrated in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Pope Francis to deliver Christmas message and President Trump celebrates Christmas in Florida but Washington politics are on his mind.

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World News

Politics Dampen Christmas Festivities In Bethlehem

6:04am December 25, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

Many people have canceled visits to what is considered the birthplace of Jesus amid violent clashes. Politics have seeped in to the holiday and activities have been limited to religious ceremonies.

Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales addresses the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 19, 2017, at the United Nations headquarters.

Guatemala Follows U.S. Lead, Will Move Its Israel Embassy To Jerusalem

5:37am December 25, 2017

by Doreen McCallister

President Jimmy Morales announced on Christmas Eve that Guatemala would move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. On Dec. 6, President Trump announced he was recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.