Middle East

World News

Ongoing Violence Mutes West Bank's Christmas Celebrations

5:33am December 25, 2015

by Daniel Estrin

Several Palestinians were killed as they attempted attacks, Israeli officials say. Palestinian security officials say they arrested Islamic extremists to prevent potential attacks.

As Christians Flee, Governments Pressured To Declare ISIS Guilty Of Genocide

6:17am December 24, 2015

by Tom Gjelten

The Christian population is dropping in areas where Islamic State fighters are targeting religious minorities. At least a thousand Christians have been killed. Hundreds of thousands have fled.

World News

Private Sponsorship Programs Help Syrian Refugees Settle In Canada

5:10am December 24, 2015

by Jackie Northam

Canada plans to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees within the next 3 months. Nearly half are being sponsored by private citizens who commit to helping the Syrians financially and socially for one year.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani leaves after a televised speech in Tehran on Dec. 16. Iran has been dismantling parts of its nuclear program as required under an international deal, and some sanctions could be lifted as soon as January.

World News

Iran Sanctions Could Be Lifted As Soon As January

7:38pm December 23, 2015

by Michele Kelemen

The country has been dismantling parts of its nuclear program more quickly than many expected. When international inspectors confirm Iran has met its obligations, many sanctions will be lifted.

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Jewish Suspects Claim They Were Tortured In Israeli Custody; Supporters Protest

6:23am December 23, 2015

by Daniel Estrin

Israeli authorities are trying to find the Jewish extremists responsible for a firebombing that killed a Palestinian family. Jewish suspects say they have been tortured under Israeli interrogation.

U.S. Tries To Exploit Islamic State's Financial Weak Spot

6:16am December 23, 2015

Renee Montagne talks to Adam Szubin, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the Treasury Department, about efforts to financially isolate and cripple ISIS.

World News

Number Of Migrants Who Reached Europe This Year Tops 1 Million

7:05pm December 22, 2015

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to William Lacy Swing, director general of the International Organization for Migration, which estimates over 1 million migrants have arrived in Europe this year.

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The Iraqi military has encircled the city since last month. Now, with U.S. air support, it's pushing into the ISIS stronghold in the city center.