Middle East

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Syria to turn over its chemical weapons to avoid a strike by the U.S.

World News

What's Driving Russia's Tactical Change On Syria?

7:14pm September 11, 2013

by Corey Flintoff

Until recently, Russia seemed unable or unwilling to do anything to head off a U.S. strike against Syria. Now, it's running with a plan to have Syria place its chemical weapons under international control. The strategy allows nearly all sides to save face politically.

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2 Democratic Senators Propose Alternate Plan For Syria

7:08am September 10, 2013

President Obama on Tuesday meets with Democratic senators to press his case for military action against Syria. Two moderate senators are offering an alternative plan. It would delay military action for 45 days, and give Bashar Assad another chance to get rid of his chemical weapons. Steve Inskeep talks to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota about the plan.

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Obama Prepares For Speech On Syria

7:08am September 10, 2013

by Mara Liasson

On Tuesday night, President Obama will address the nation — asking for support of his plan to punish the Syrian regime for a chemical weapons attack near Damascus last month. The president must deal with widespread skepticism about his plan.

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At the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, many families struggle to get clean water, food and health services.

Humanitarian Aid Agencies Brace For Fallout From Syrian Strikes

11:04am September 09, 2013

by Jason Beaubien

Millions of Syrians have poured into refugee camps, where food, water and health services are scarce. As the U.S. prepares for possible military action, aid agencies are preparing for thousands more people to flee and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

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Rep. Cole Weighs In On Syria Resolution

7:25am September 09, 2013

The White House is pursuing a major effort to persuade members of Congress to support a military strike in Syria. Estimates show the number of House members publicly against a strike near an outright majority. Renee Montagne talks to Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma who is opposed to military action.

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Farmers ride in their tractor in the drought-hit region of Hasaka in northeastern Syria on June 17, 2010.

World News

How Could A Drought Spark A Civil War?

6:32pm September 08, 2013

by NPR Staff

There are many ways to look at civil war: ethnic factions, economic divides and religions differences. But increasingly, some say we should also look at climate change as a factor as well, as it is often what forces internal migrations in nations already simmering with ethnic and sectarian tensions.

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After Years Of War, Rebuilding Iraq's Libraries

6:26pm September 08, 2013

Baghdad has an incredible tradition of libraries and learning, but the war in Iraq left many of its libraries burned and looted. Now, there will be a new library in the Iraqi capital. Weekends on All Things Considered host Jacki Lyden Jacki Lyden talks with architect Amir Mousawi, whose firm drew up dramatic design plans for the new Baghdad Library.

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World News

White House 'Exhausts' Diplomatic Options On Syria

12:40pm September 06, 2013

President Obama is trying to win congressional support for a limited military strike on Syria. Democrat Rep. Joe Manchin of W. Va. says Washington must "exhaust all diplomatic options" before it acts. Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken tells Steve Inskeep he believes all options have been exhausted.

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Triad Professor Watches Developments Surrounding Syria's Internal Struggle

11:07pm September 05, 2013

Many in the Triad are watching as members of the U.S. Congress debate taking military action in Syria.

Politics & Government

Sen. Tom Udall On Syrian Resolution

6:58am September 05, 2013

On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a resolution authorizing President Obama to take military action against the Syrian regime. It goes to the full Senate over the objections of New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall. Steve Inskeep talks with Sen. Udall about his concerns over intervention in Syria.

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