Obama's Plan: The Pros And Cons
The president has opted for an open-ended air campaign to fight the Islamic State. A look at what it will take to make the plan work and the risks that could cause it to fail.
Syria
How Far Will President Obama Go?
The president has spent most of his tenure scaling back the U.S. military role in the Middle East. Now he appears poised to broaden an operation that will bring with it substantial risks.
First Syrian Refugees Arrive In Triad
The first in the current wave of Syrian refugees will arrive in the Triad this week.
Foley's Mother: We Didn't Want Him To Go Back To Syria
Diane Foley tells NPR that her son, slain journalist James Foley, "could have done so many other things. But he, I think, was drawn to some of the drama, some of the rawness of the conflict zones."
In Syria, The U.S. Weighs A Range Of Unpalatable Options
The U.S. could aid moderate rebels. It could bomb militants of the Islamic State. Or it could sit on the sidelines as the war plays out. There are many choices, but none appears promising.
The Comeback Of Polio Is A Public Health Emergency
The paralyzing virus had seemed on the verge of disappearing. But this year cases are being reported in 10 countries. The World Health Organization has responded with strict vaccination rules.
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.
A Syrian Refugee Camp With Girl Scouts And A Safeway Store
Three years into Syria's civil war, a resigned stability and a sense of permanence are taking hold at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan.
With The Help Of Smugglers, Syrian Refugees Sneak Into Europe
Many Syrians fled their country and took refuge just across the border, planning to wait out the war. But now, a growing number are working with smugglers to get to northern Europe. The Syrians say they see no end in sight to the civil war and want to start a new life.
As Polio Spreads In Syria, Politics Thwarts Vaccination Efforts
The polio outbreak in Syria has spread to four cities, and new cases are suspected each day. But U.N. agencies responsible for combating the outbreak can work only with the Syrian government. This limitation has hobbled vaccination efforts in rebel-held regions, where the virus was first detected.