Who Is The New Saudi King?
King Salman, 79, presided over the transformation of the Saudi capital, with a record of good governance, but he isn't known as a reformer and is unlikely to shift the course of Saudi politics.
Middle East
Saudi Arabia's King Abullah Dies At 90
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia has died. He was born before Saudi Arabia was even a country. David Greene talks to journalist and author Thomas Lippman about the king's death.
Fate Of Japanese Hostages Unclear After Islamic State's Deadline Lapses
A video purportedly by the militants says "the countdown has begun." Japan says it's still trying to secure Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto's release. The Islamists want $200 million for their release.
Saudi King Abdullah Leaves Behind A Complex Legacy
In the wake of the king's death, he is being remembered as a man who laid the foundation for reform, but also as someone who promised much but accomplished little.
Saudi King Abdullah, Who Laid Foundation For Reform, Dies
Abdullah put forward the Arab Peace Initiative for a deal with Israel, cracked down on al-Qaida within the kingdom, and became known as a ruler committed to reform. But the moves were limited.
Yemen's Political Crisis Deepens After Government Resigns
Resignations by the president and his Cabinet after rebels took control of much of the capital have compounded the political crisis. David Greene talks to Yara Bayoumy, a correspondent for Reuters.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Dies; Witnessed A New Era
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has died, according to his state TV. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was 90 years old; when he was born, Saudi Arabia was not a country, let alone an oil-producing power.
Yemen In Chaos Amid Reports Of Government's Collapse
U.S. military advisers are keeping a low profile in Yemen after Huthi rebels staged a near coup. Sources tell NPR that U.S. special operations forces are still doing operations, but nothing to antagonize the Huthis. Meanwhile, White House officials are meeting to see what the changes mean for the counter-terror fight that President Obama lauded as a success only five months ago.
Ancient Egyptian Relic Broken, Repaired With Glue
Anonymous officials say the beard of the golden mask of King Tutankamun broke off during a cleaning last year, and was glued back on in a hurry.
Yemen's President, Cabinet Resign Amid Political Chaos
The resignations compound a political crisis that began earlier this week when Shiite Houthi rebels took control of much of the capital, Sanaa, and surrounded the president's residence.