Escaping Syria To Harvest Hashish In Lebanon
Syrian migrant workers have been going to Lebanon to work in illegal hashish fields for years. Those who leave areas controlled by ISIS are unsure now if they can ever go home.
Middle East
For Women In Saudi Arabia, Gender Segregation More Like A 'Glass Wall'
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud has been pushing for women to have a greater sphere of influence in Saudi Arabia. Her hiring of women has helped shoppers get used to seeing women working in stores.
Saudi Arabia's Misunderstood Relationship With Extremism
Saudi Arabia has been blamed for exporting a kind of religious extremism that's allowed groups like ISIS to flourish the region. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia says that's not true.
Saudi Women Cast First-Ever Votes – And Vie For Offices
But if they want to vote, women will have to catch a ride: the conservative Islamic kingdom still forbids them from driving.
Are Efforts To Overthrow Assad Counter Productive?
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard says that in order to defeat ISIS, the U.S. must stop trying to remove Syrian president Bashar al Assad from power. She tells NPR's Scott Simon why.
Women In Saudi Arabia Can Finally Vote, So Why Is Turnout So Low?
For the first time, women can vote and run for office in Saudi Arabia. Some see it as an important symbol of change. Others aren't even aware of the elections.
Putin Says Russia Is Backing Some Syrian Opposition Forces
Russia opposes the Islamic State, but supports Syria's Bashar Assad. Now Moscow says its military is providing weapons and supplies to Western-backed, anti-Assad forces on the frontlines against ISIS.
Egyptian Doctor Found Guilty Of Female Genital Mutilation Isn't In Jail
Dr. Raslan Fadl was sentenced to two years in prison after a girl died in his care. NPR found him working at a government hospital.
Evaluating Britain's Air Campaign Against The Islamic State
Britain began carrying out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria earlier this month. Steve Inskeep talks to Michael Fallon, Britain's Secretary of State for Defence about how the campaign is going.
Saudi Arabia To Hold Historic Elections On Saturday
It will be the first time that women there can vote or run for office. Women's groups have been pushing voter registration drives, but only a small percentage of the voting population has registered.