U.S. Ramps Up Aid To Syrian Rebels
The U.S. is increasing both arms and training assistance to the Syrian rebels. Advocates of the program say they hope to change the situation on the ground, others doubt it will help much.
Middle East
Egyptians Fear Power Outages Could Fuel More Unrest
The oil and natural gas that Egypt depends on for power generation is heavily subsidized. But the state doesn't want to raise prices and anger a population already frustrated by political uncertainty.
Iran's Culture Wars: Who's Winning These Days?
Men and women ski on the same slopes. A rock band performs in the capital. It's all part of the constant tug-of-war between religious conservatives and those seeking more social freedoms.
Despite Havoc, Syrian War Sparks Hope Among Kurdish Minority
With Syria in chaos, minority Kurds there hope they can realize long-standing ambitions for autonomy. Kurds who fled to northern Iraq from Syria will press those demands when they finally go home.
Groups Disagree Over How To Aid Syrians Caught In Civil War
Aid has only trickled into Syria since the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution calling for more access to the country. Aid workers say bureaucratic obstacles continue to be a major problem.
As Refugees Stream In, Lebanon Copes With Human Flood Tide
At least a million Syrian refugees are now in Lebanon. The influx is straining the balance in the fragile country of only four million people.
For Syrian Refugees, 'Life Has Stopped'
Syrian refugees have flooded into Lebanon since the war began. The UN said this week that 1 million refugees are now in the country. NPR's Scott Simon and Alice Fordham discuss the impact.
Post Arab Spring, Where Do Islamist Parties Stand?
Steve Inskeep talks with author Shadi Hamid about his new book, Temptations of Power: Islamists and Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East.
Iranians Begin To Feel The Heavy Burden Of Syria's War
Iran has been a close ally of Syria for decades and a staunch supporter in Syria's current war. But a growing number of Iranians are questioning the costs of backing President Bashar Assad.
President Prepares To Meet King As U.S.-Saudi Divisions Deepen
On the eve of President Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia, Robert Siegel speaks with Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. They discuss U.S.-Saudi relations and questions on Iran.