Middle East

West Point Students' Plan To Counter ISIS Online Strategy

9:11am February 14, 2016

The State Department sponsored a contest to find the best ways to combat ISIS propaganda online. A group of cadets from West Point got second prize. Rachel Martin speaks with team member CJ Drew.

World News

Russia Holds Center Stage In Syrian Peace Talks

5:52pm February 13, 2016

by Michele Kelemen

Talks on the brutal Syrian conflict have ended in Munich with the West and Russia far apart. Russia, whose planes are carrying out deadly bombing raids, seems to hold the cards.

Zarafshan, shown here with her 10-year-old son, earns money by weaving carpets. But it's not enough to support her family of five children.

World News

The Carpet Weaver Of Shiraz

9:10am February 13, 2016

by Steve Inskeep

A carpet weaver in the ancient city of Shiraz continues her family tradition, but doesn't earn enough to support her large family. Will the easing of economic sanctions on Iran make a difference?

Queue Listen Now

NATO, Russia Aiming For Syria Cease-Fire

7:51am February 13, 2016

Last year's war in Ukraine dominated the Munich Security Conference. This year, Russia's intervention in the Middle East has put the focus on Syria. Michele Kelemen speaks to NPR's Linda Wertheimer.

Russian Escalation In Syria Narrows Options To Help Civilians

6:42pm February 12, 2016

NPR's Kelly McEvers talks with Brian Katulis, a senior fellow for Middle East policy at the Center for American Progress, about negotiations for helping civilians caught up in the violence in Syria. He says Russia has in effect created a no-fly zone for themselves there, which has made it almost impossible to do anything without Russia's cooperation.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Syrian 'Cessation Of Hostilities' Agreement Met With Skepticism

4:35pm February 12, 2016

by Michele Kelemen

The day after, weaknesses became clear in a deal billed as trying to get a pause in the fighting in Syria. It's unclear if it will stop Russian bombing or allow in needed aid.

World News

Syrian Doctor Casts Doubt On Proposed Pause In Fighting

4:35pm February 12, 2016

Dr. Osama Abo El Ezz is a general surgeon at a hospital in Aleppo, Syria. He says the humanitarian situation is grim and doesn't believe the cease fire will change anything. Nevertheless, he says he will keep working in Aleppo.

People gathered during a candlelight procession to honor the memory of Giulio Regeni in his hometown of Fiumicello, Italy, on Sunday.

World News

As Questions Swirl, Italy Mourns Death Of Italian Student In Cairo

3:43pm February 12, 2016

by Sylvia Poggioli

A funeral is being held Friday in Italy for Giulio Regeni, a doctoral student allegedly tortured and killed in Egypt. Thousands have demanded an independent probe into Regeni's death.

Queue Listen Now

World News

The World Has Become A Bit Dull To News From Syria, Miliband Says

1:54pm February 12, 2016

A preliminary deal is reached for a cease-fire in Syria that's cost thousands of lives and sparked a refugee crisis. David Greene talks to David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee.

Queue Listen Now

World News

What Would A Cease-Fire In Syria Mean For Russian Airstrikes?

1:07pm February 12, 2016

A plan has been announced for a cessation of fighting in Syria in one week's time. Mary Louise Kelly talks to Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, about what the pause would mean.

Queue Listen Now