Middle East

World News

Why The Fall Of Raqqa Doesn't Signify The End Of The Islamic State

9:00am October 21, 2017

After U.S.-backed forces in Syria seized Raqqa from the Islamic State, is the terrorist organization weaker or stronger? Scott Simon speaks to Bruce Hoffman, director of the Georgetown University security studies program.

World News

Iran Nuclear Deal Is Not Renegotiable, Iran's Ambassador To The U.N. Says

6:29am October 20, 2017

Steve Inskeep talks to Iran's ambassador to the U.N. Gholamali Khoshroo, who says the nuclear deal his country signed cannot be renegotiated, despite President Trump's call for changes.

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Syrian Brig. Gen. Issam Zahreddine (right) speaks with a civilian in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor in September, during the offensive against ISIS militants.

World News

Anti-ISIS Syrian General Accused Of Killing U.S. Journalist Is Reported To Have Died

4:05pm October 19, 2017

by Ruth Sherlock

Issam Zahreddine reportedly died on the battlefield. The family of Marie Colvin, a celebrated U.S. war correspondent killed in Syria in 2012, has blamed him for her death.

How Other Terrorist Organizations Could Benefit From ISIS' Loss Of Raqqa

4:49pm October 18, 2017

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Ali Soufan, former FBI terrorism investigator, and author of the book Anatomy of Terror. They discuss reports that Al-Qaida is actively recruiting ISIS fighters.

World News

In Syria, What Role Should The U.S. Play In Raqqa?

6:02am October 18, 2017

U.S. airstrikes helped U.S.-backed forces oust ISIS from the Syrian city. Steve Inskeep talks to James Jeffrey, former ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, who says the U.S. will have to stay engaged there.

U.S.-Backed Forces On The Verge Of Pushing ISIS Out Of Raqqa

5:01pm October 17, 2017

by Ruth Sherlock

U.S.-backed forces are close to finishing the battle to push ISIS from its de facto capital, Raqqa. Doing so will leave little territory remaining for the so-called Islamic State that once ruled a large swatch of Iraq and Syria. It also leave the city in ruins and with an uncertain future.

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No Clear End Game For U.S. Military In Iraq And Syria

5:01pm October 17, 2017

by Tom Bowman

The U.S. is training and equipping both sides in the Iraq-Kurdistan stand-off along with Syrian opposition forces in the battle against ISIS and the Assad regime. It has created a tangled web with no clear end game.

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World News

Liberation Of Raqqa Will Be A Powerful Blow To ISIS

5:01pm October 17, 2017

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with reporter Joby Warrick of The Washington Post and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Black Flags: The Rise Of ISIS" about the status of ISIS after the loss of their de facto capitol, Raqqa.

A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces walks on a building near Raqqa's stadium Monday, as they cleared the last positions on the front line in the fight against ISIS.

World News

ISIS Makes Last Stand At A Stadium In Raqqa, Its Doomed 'Capital'

12:24pm October 17, 2017

by Bill Chappell

As of Tuesday, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces control "more than 90 percent" of Raqqa, says U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon.

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World News

After 4-month Battle, U.S.-Backed Forces Appear To Gain Control Of Raqqa

8:11am October 17, 2017

by Ruth Sherlock

The city in northeastern Syria has been the self-declared capital of the Islamic State. U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are reported to be on the verge of taking the city back from ISIS.

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