World News

World News

Under Strain From Syrian Refugees, Lebanon Enacts Stricter Visa Policy

6:31pm January 05, 2015

Already, an estimated 1.5 million Syrians have fled to Lebanon and Lebanese officials say they can't accommodate more refugees. Robert Siegel talks with Lama Fakih of Human Rights Watch.

Queue Listen Now

The classic Spanish roscón is an aromatic, citrus-infused brioche topped by sugar, flaked almonds and candied fruits – arranged like the jewels on a king's crown. It's ubiquitous on Spanish tables on Three Kings Day, Jan. 6.

In Spain, A Kingly Ring With A Hidden Surprise Wraps Up The Holidays

6:27pm January 05, 2015

by James Badcock

The roscón is a ring-shaped, citrus-infused brioche ubiquitous on Spanish tables on Three Kings Day, Jan. 6. It comes with an ancient pedigree and a trinket inside that will bring luck to the finder.

The winner of Miss Malaysia World 2013, Melinder Kaur Bhullar, poses during the grand finale on Aug. 2, 2013, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Four Muslim women were dropped as contestants after a religious decree, or fatwa, barred them from participating.

Yoga, Petting Puppies, Halloween: Banned By Malaysia's Muslim Clerics

5:16pm January 05, 2015

by Patrick Winn

The clerics are delivering a growing number of fatwas against what they see as insidious dangers. Liberal Muslims are annoyed by what they say is moral micromanaging.

Young Cubans prepare their sticks to charge the latest internet "package" with films, television series, software and other similar stuff from foreign origin downloaded from the web.

World News

Lacking Internet, Cubans Rely On 'The Package' For Entertainment

5:06pm January 05, 2015

by Carrie Kahn

The so-called weekly "package" allows Cubans to watch every current TV show and series available to the world at a fraction of the cost and without government censors.

Queue Listen Now

Syrian children play at a refugee camp in Terbol, Lebanon, in 2013. More than 1 million Syrian refugees are in Lebanon, which is now requiring Syrians to obtain visas before entering the country.

World News

In Latest Sign Of Strain, Lebanon Demands That Syrians Get Visas

3:55pm January 05, 2015

by Greg Myre

The more than 1 million Syrian refugees have placed a tremendous burden on Lebanon, a country of just 4 million people.

Residents walk on an empty street in Banjul Gambia, Tuesday, Dec. 30. Heavy gunfire rang out Tuesday near the presidential palace, raising the specter of a coup attempt.

World News

U.S. Charges 2 Americans Over Attempted Coup In The Gambia

3:16pm January 05, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

The men allegedly bought weapons and shipped them to The Gambia. Court papers say they planned to ambush the president's convoy, but when the plan fell through they decided to storm the State House.

A Tale Of Dueling Ebola Songs: One From Britain, One From Africa

3:14pm January 05, 2015

by Eleanor Beardsley

African musicians have recorded a fund-raising song to help fight Ebola. They say it truly reflects what's happening in their homeland — unlike the Brit pop Ebola song "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

Queue Listen Now

Why The Euro Fell To A 9-Year Low Against The Dollar

12:22pm January 05, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

A combination of political instability in Greece, possible quantitative easing in the eurozone and a stronger dollar are all pushing the common European currency lower.

NPR's Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep interviews President Obama on Dec. 17 in the Oval Office, where they discussed U.S. involvement in the Middle East and the world as a whole.

Waiting For A Break: Obama On 'Strategic Patience' In Foreign Policy

10:22am January 05, 2015

by Steve Inskeep

"I believe in diplomacy, I believe in dialogue, I believe in engagement," the president says of Iran and other regimes perceived as U.S. enemies. But he says restoring relations is a gradual process.

Queue Listen Now

Pope Francis Announces 20 New Cardinals

9:36am January 05, 2015

The 20 new cardinals come from 18 different countries, including several from Asia, Africa and Oceania. Steve Inskeep talks to Vatican-watcher John Allen, a correspondent for The Boston Globe.

Queue Listen Now