Middle East

World News

U.S. To Work With Palestinian Unity Government Despite Hamas

7:57am June 03, 2014

by Emily Harris

The new Palestinian government includes Hamas, which the U.S. says is a terrorist organization. In spite of that, and Israel's objections, the U.S. says it will continue to fund the government.

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Israel Furious Over U.S. Decision To Work With Palestinians

7:57am June 03, 2014

Israel's ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer tells Steve Inskeep that the U.S. should have no relations with the new Palestinian government, which includes Hamas.

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Political Division Over Effect Of Swapping 5 Detainees For POW

7:04pm June 01, 2014

In exchange for the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the U.S. transferred five detainees from Guantanamo to Qatar. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with Kabul correspondent Sean Carberry about the swap.

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What's Next For Egypt After Sisi's Win?

7:04pm June 01, 2014

In Egyptian elections this week, former military chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi won a decisive victory. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with Cairo correspondent Leila Fadel about what Egyptians are preparing for next.

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Will The U.S. Arm Syrian Rebels?

12:36pm May 30, 2014

There was some anticipation this week that President Obama might endorse stronger measures to give training to Syria's rebels. The president told NPR the rebels might be better able to use U.S. aid.

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Force And Fear In The Air, As Syrian Refugees Go To Polls In Lebanon

4:02pm May 29, 2014

by Alice Fordham

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are already voting in an election that's seen as Bashar Assad's rigged bid for legitimacy. Many refugees believe that if they don't vote, they'll never be allowed back home.

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Egyptians Vote Monday And Tuesday For Next President

7:23am May 26, 2014

by Leila Fadel

Former military chief Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is the heavy favorite to win. His only rival is leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi, who placed a strong third in the last presidential election held in 2012.

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Pope Francis Wraps Up 3-Day Trip To Middle East

7:23am May 26, 2014

by Emily Harris

Pope Francis is in Jerusalem. He stopped at the holiest Jewish and Muslim sites in that city. The pope has invited Palestinian and Israeli leaders to join him in Rome to discuss Mideast peace.

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After Mubarak, Egypt Appears Ready To Elect Another Military Man

7:23am May 26, 2014

by David Greene

Military dictator Hosni Mubarak was removed from power 3 years ago. The man expected to win the presidential election Abdel Fattah el-Sissi led an on-going crackdown against the Muslim Brotherhood.

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Assessing The State Of Human Rights In Iran

6:57pm May 25, 2014

Six Iranians were arrested for a video they posted to YouTube of dancing to the hit song, "Happy." It is the latest sign of the power struggle between the hardliners in the government and the President Hassan Rouhani. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

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