Middle East

Palestinian Muslim worshippers pray outside an entrance to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday. They gathered to protest new Israeli security measures implemented at the holy site following an attack that killed two Israeli polic

World News

Israel: Metal Detectors Will Be Removed From Jerusalem Holy Site

7:11pm July 24, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The prime minister's office says security forces will use other technology around a mosque complex where two Israeli police officers were killed. Angry Muslim worshippers prayed next to the machines.

Morning News Brief: Russia Probes, Louisville Clinic Protests

8:16am July 24, 2017

House and Senate investigations into any links between Russia and the Trump campaign continue. Protests erupt outside Kentucky's last clinic that performs abortions.

Queue Listen Now

Religion

With New Security Measures, Tensions Remain High In Jerusalem's Old City

10:13pm July 23, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

After attackers killed two police officers at a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, Israel installed metal detectors, setting off protests and violence. Israel is now considering alternative security.

Queue Listen Now

World News

The Call-In: Iraq, Then And Now

8:05am July 23, 2017

We hear from veteran Charles Diamond who served in Mosul, Jane Arraf compares Mosul today to before ISIS, and former Obama administration official Andrew Exum talks about the U.S. military's role.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt in Jerusalem on June 21.

For New U.S. Mideast Peace Envoy, It Will Be A Long Road To 'Ultimate Deal'

8:04am July 23, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

For years, Jason Greenblatt was chief legal officer at the Trump Organization. Now his job is to help bring peace to the Middle East. His closeness to Trump may help, but it's no guarantee of success.

3 Palestinians Killed In Violent Clashes With Israelis Near Jerusalem Religious Site

5:48pm July 21, 2017

by Daniel Estrin

In a day of intensifying violence, three Palestinians were killed during a wave of clashes with Israeli forces. Later a Palestinian stabbed to death three Israelis in a West Bank Jewish settlement.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Iraqi Kurds Schedule Independence Referendum For September

4:27pm July 21, 2017

In September, Iraqi Kurds have scheduled an independence referendum. NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Joost Hiltermann of the International Crisis Group about the prospects for Kurdish independence.

Queue Listen Now

Palestinians pray near new metal detectors that were erected outside one of the main entrances to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Thursday. Increased security measures at the site have touched off protests.

Tensions Spike In Jerusalem's Old City Over Metal Detectors At Muslim Shrine

8:29am July 21, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Worshippers who refused to pass through the metal detectors chose instead to pray next to them.

Family Of Austin Tice, Journalist Held In Syria, Press For His Release

4:56pm July 20, 2017

by Ruth Sherlock

The family of missing journalist Austin Tice calls attention to his years-old kidnapping and asks for pressure and attention to bring his release.

Queue Listen Now

The U.S. announced Wednesday that it had lifted the laptop ban that originally affected nine airlines, including Qatar Airways.

U.S. Ends Laptop Ban On Flights From Middle East

2:48pm July 20, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

The ban originally affected 10 airports and nine airlines, mostly Middle Eastern carriers. Meanwhile, the U.S. has issued additional security requirements affecting some 280 international airports.