The Fight For Raqqa
Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Quentin Sommerville of the BBC about his reporting from Raqqa, Syria. Western-backed forces are taking over the former ISIS stronghold, but the city is largely in ruins.
World News
Pussy Riot's Masha Alyokhina Recounts Time In Prison In 'Riot Days'
Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Masha Alyokhina, a member of the band Pussy Riot, who was sentenced to two years in prison after playing a protest song in a Moscow cathedral in 2012.
In Russia, 'The Future Is History'
Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen talks with Scott Simon about how Russia went from communism back to authoritarianism without a stop at democracy in her new book, The Future Is History.
France Aims To Get Real: Retouched Photos Of Models Now Require A Label
The goal is "to avoid the promotion of inaccessible beauty ideals and prevent anorexia among young people," said France's former health minister.
U.S. In Direct Contact With North Korea: 'We Do Talk To Them,' Tillerson Says
"We have lines of communications to Pyongyang," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said. The State Department later said North Korean officials are not "ready for talks regarding denuclearization."
A Catalan Opposed To Catalonia's Independence Referendum
Independence fever may be raging in Catalonia, but some residents will be sitting out Sunday's referendum. Javier Castellanos talks with Scott Simon about why he prefers the idea of a unified Spain.
An Update On Trump's Afghanistan Strategy
It's been a little more than a month since President Trump announced a new strategy that involves sending more U.S. troops as advisers to the Afghan military.
Painting Their Old Life Helps Them Build A New Life In Italy
Amid an influx of African migrants to Italy, a project called 'Make Art Not Walls' is helping them assimilate — and get in touch with their inner artist.
State Department Orders More Than Half Its Staff Out Of Cuba After 'Specific Attacks'
The move follows reports in August that U.S. diplomats in Havana had been subjected to mysterious "sonic" attacks that led to hearing loss, headaches and other health problems.
Spanish Government Working To Stop Independence Vote In Catalonia
The Spanish government has stepped up efforts to prevent the Catalan independence referendum, with police seizing millions of ballots, and trying to seal-off schools where Sunday's voting is planned.