World News

U.S.-Cuba Talks To Resume On Re-Establishing Diplomatic Relations

2:57pm May 21, 2015

by Michele Kelemen

The U.S.-Cuban thaw announced last December raised expectations of a new diplomatic relationship. But talks, which resume Thursday, are moving slowly on the first step: re-opening embassies.

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A photo released on Sunday by the Syrian official news agency SANA shows a general view of the ancient Roman city of Palmyra, northeast of Damascus, Syria. Fears have intensified that the self-declared Islamic State, which captured the city on Wednesday,

World News

Fears Grow That ISIS Might Target Palmyra's Ancient Treasures

12:52pm May 21, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Ancient ruins in the Syrian city captured by Islamist extremists could suffer the same fate as priceless artifacts that were destroyed in other cities seized by the group.

Smoke rises after a Syrian Rocket launcher shell on Islamic State positions in the ancient oasis city of Palmyra, about 215 kilometers northeast of Damascus on Tuesday. News reports say the Islamic State has taken control of the city.

World News

Islamic State Takes Control Of Ancient City Of Palmyra

12:35pm May 21, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The city is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites, and it gives the militant group access to gas fields and roads across the Syrian desert.

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Freed From Boko Haram, Hostages Now Held By Nigeria's Military

9:20am May 21, 2015

The nearly 300 people rescued last month from Boko Haram are in military custody. There are suspicions that some are working with the extremist group. Renee Montagne talks to the AP's Michelle Faul.

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Subir Banerjee plays the young Apu in Pather Panchali, which made its New York debut 60 years ago this month.

An Indian Master Returns To Cinemas, Restored

8:19am May 21, 2015

by Bilal Qureshi

Filmmaker Satyajit Ray earned a lifetime achivement Oscar for his beloved Apu Trilogy, released between 1955 and 1959. Badly damaged by fire, the original negatives have now been restored.

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U.S. Engagment Against ISIS Can't Be Timid, Retired Marine General Says

7:44am May 21, 2015

Steve Inskeep talks to retired Marine General Gregory Newbold about what the U.S. is doing right, or wrong, in its efforts to militarily contain the so-called Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

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Revelations Of British Pedophile Ring Spur Flood Of Abuse Reports

7:44am May 21, 2015

by Vicki Barker

There were whispers of a pedophile ring at the highest levels of British government. Revelations suggest those rumors had substance and that a culture of deference helped hide child abuse for decades.

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U.S.: Venezuelan Officials Involved In Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

7:44am May 21, 2015

Steve Inskeep talks to Juan Forero of The Wall Street Journal about his report that officials are being investigated for allegedly turning the country into a hub for cocaine and money laundering.

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ISIS Takes Control Of Syria's Ancient City Of Palmyra

7:44am May 21, 2015

by Alice Fordham

The self-proclaimed Islamic State, also known as ISIS, has taken the Syrian city of Palmyra, known for its well-preserved antiquities. It also has gas fields and roads across the Syrian desert.

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FIFA President Sepp Blatter kicks a ball during the inauguration of a football stadium in the village of Dura al-Qari near the West Bank city of Ramallah on Wednesday. Blatter said he is on a

For Israel, Soccer Becomes A Geopolitical Football

8:39pm May 20, 2015

by Emily Harris

The head of FIFA visited Israel and the West Bank this week, where Palestinians are petitioning to expel Israel from soccer's governing body — and its biggest international tournaments.

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