World News

The Dynamics Of Demanding Ransom From Nations

6:24pm August 21, 2014

Since the release of a video depicting the killing of American journalist James Foley, it has been revealed that the militant group Islamic State demanded millions of dollars for his freedom. Rukmini Callimachi of The New York Times explains how militant groups use ransom demands such as these for funding.

Queue Listen Now

In Covering Foley's Killing, Media Outlets Face A Difficult Choice

6:24pm August 21, 2014

by David Folkenflik

The execution of the American journalist James Foley by ISIS casts new attention on how news organizations cover graphic violence, and how they cover the risks taken by their own colleagues and peers.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Western Fighters Answer Mideast Extremists' Clarion Call

6:06pm August 21, 2014

by Dina Temple-Raston

The road to violent jihad has never been so smooth. Westerners hoping to join the fight in Syria, and now Iraq, can take a flight to Turkey and meet hundreds of rebel groups eager to train them.

Queue Listen Now

A Ukrainian soldier speaks with a fellow soldier on a portable radio transmitter in their military camp near Luhansk on Wednesday.

World News

As Ukraine Presses Military Offensive, The Facts Are Fuzzy

3:17pm August 21, 2014

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Ukraine's army has been gaining ground against pro-Russian separatists. But details are difficult to pin down. They are now trading accusations over an alleged attack against a civilian convoy.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Hamas Senior Leaders Killed In Predawn Israeli Airstrike

1:07pm August 21, 2014

by Philip Reeves

The militant group says three military leaders were killed in the strike in the Gaza Strip. Also, a Hamas official appeared to confirm its involvement in the killings that sparked the latest conflict.

Queue Listen Now

U.S. Reveals Failed Special Forces Mission To Rescue Hostages

9:59pm August 20, 2014

by Audie Cornish

The Obama administration's admission comes on the heels of the release of a video by the militant group known as the Islamic State, which depicts the killing of American journalist James Foley.

Queue Listen Now

Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar Assad walk along a street in Mleiha, near the Damascus airport, during a tour organized by the Syrian government on Aug. 15.

In Syria, The U.S. Weighs A Range Of Unpalatable Options

8:35pm August 20, 2014

by Michele Kelemen

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.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Latest Cease-Fire In Gaza Collapses

11:52am August 20, 2014

by Philip Reeves

Israel has resumed targeting terror sites across the Gaza Strip after renewed rocket attacks on the Jewish state. The action casts doubts on the future of indirect talks in Cairo to end the fighting.

Queue Listen Now

World News

Blocked At The Border, Gaza Man's Hopes Of Escape Fade

9:56am August 20, 2014

by Philip Reeves

One man's quest to get out of Gaza and into Egypt highlights Palestinian calls for more freedom of movement.

Queue Listen Now

Dr. Joanne Liu (left), international president of Doctors Without Borders poses with a member of the MSF medical team at the organization's Ebola treatment center in Kailahun, Sierra Leone.

Doctors Without Borders: What We Need To Contain Ebola

8:51pm August 19, 2014

by NPR Staff

Dr. Joanne Liu of Doctors Without Borders says fear and a lack of sense of urgency has kept the international community in their home countries rather than stepping up to the plate in West Africa.

Queue Listen Now