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After Palestinian Prison Deal, A Push For Nonviolence
Palestinian prisoners ended a mass hunger strike aimed at improving conditions in Israeli prisons after reaching a deal with Israeli authorities this week. The success has some Palestinians calling for a greater emphasis on nonviolence in their opposition to Israeli policies.
npr.org | 17-May-2012 12:31

U.N. Presence Fails To Prevent Syrian Bloodshed
U.N. monitors were attending a funeral in a northern Syria village when it turned into a protest, and then a violent clash. More than 30 people were killed, and the U.N. peace plan suffered another setback.
npr.org | 16-May-2012 23:16

Why The U.S. Is Aggressively Targeting Yemen
Yemen is now considered to be "the greatest external threat facing the U.S. homeland in terms of terrorism," says investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill.
npr.org | 16-May-2012 22:49

U.N.: It Takes Time To Achieve Results In Syria
The head of United Nations peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and talked to Michele Kelemen about how many unnamed observers are in Syria and what they are able to do. Ladsous has said that the ongoing violence is appalling. Some in Washington have been calling for stronger measures, including humanitarian corridors or safe zones. But that seems unlikely since it would take a substantial military intervention, not just a few unarmed U.N. observers.
npr.org | 16-May-2012 21:00

At 96, Historian Lewis Reflects On 'A Century'
Over his long academic career, Bernard Lewis has arguably become the world's greatest historian of the Middle East. Now, at 96, Lewis turns his attention inward in Notes on a Century , a memoir that looks back on his life, work and legacy.
npr.org | 15-May-2012 20:12

An Update On Syrian Violence
Steve Inskeep talks to NPR's Kelly McEvers for a wrap up of the latest news from Syria.
npr.org | 14-May-2012 10:00

Egyptian Candidate's Broad Appeal Has Risks
In Egypt, a one-time leader of the Muslim Brotherhood is emerging as a leading candidate in this month's presidential election. He's considered a moderate Islamist who appeals to secular and religious Egyptians. But, as we hear from reporter Merrit Kennedy in Cairo, the candidate is walking a tightrope trying to stay true to his agenda.
npr.org | 13-May-2012 14:00

Al-Qaida Infiltration 'Important' But 'Not Unheard Of'
Host Rachel Martin speaks with former CIA official Philip Mudd about the British undercover agent who helped thwart terrorists and the newest version of the underwear bomb.
npr.org | 13-May-2012 14:00

Al-Qaida In Yemen: A New Top U.S. Priority
Terrorists are still targeting the U.S., as demonstrated by the news that al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen plotted to blow up a plane headed to the U.S. What's also clear, NPR's Dina Temple-Raston reports, is just how aggressively the U.S. is targeting the terrorists in Yemen.
npr.org | 13-May-2012 14:00

A Deadly Raid On Syrian Village
Syrian forces killed at least five people in a raid on a farming village in the country's northwest on Sunday while continuing to crack down on rebellious areas near the capital Damascus, activists said.
npr.org | 13-May-2012 13:44

Largely Unseen, Syria Carries Out Arrest Campaign
The ongoing violence has dominated the headlines from Syria. But monitoring groups say that nonviolent activists and intellectuals are being arrested in growing numbers. Critics say it's an attempt by the Syrian leadership to undermine any potential political negotiations.
npr.org | 13-May-2012 12:33

Egyptian Pronounced Alive At Funeral
Hospital officials had pronounced Hamdi Hafez al-Nubi dead after he suffered a heart attack while working. As the family prepared him for burial, a doctor sent to sign the death certificate found it strange that his body was warm.
npr.org | 12-May-2012 21:22

Little-Known Militants Claim Deadly Syria Bombings
A video posted online in the name of a shadowy militant group late Friday claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in the Syrian capital this week that killed 55 people.
npr.org | 12-May-2012 15:53

Saudi King Fires Adviser After Remarks About Women
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has dismissed a controversial ultraconservative adviser after he publicly criticized reforms aimed at easing restrictions on women, the kingdom's state media reports.
npr.org | 12-May-2012 15:49

Hope Of Syrian Cease-Fire Dwindles
Host Scott Simon talks with Kieran Dwyer, chief spokesman for the United Nations Peace-Keeping Department, about the United Nations mission in Syria and continuing violence there.
npr.org | 12-May-2012 14:00

Egyptian Families Finding New Interest In Politics
The first truly competitive presidential election in Egypt's history is just two weeks away. The campaign has sparked lively interest around the country, as the candidates appear at campaign rallies and on televised talk shows. The election is also the major topic of conversation in many Egyptian living rooms.
npr.org | 11-May-2012 21:00

Egyptians Captivated By Televised Presidential Debate
In Egypt's first presidential debate, only the top two candidates participated. Voters go to the polls later this month to choose among a field of 13 candidates. The winner is expected to be decided in a runoff next month.
npr.org | 11-May-2012 10:00

Egypt Sees Arab World's First Presidential Debate
Two election front-runners, a former foreign minister and a moderate Islamist, squared off Thursday in the Arab world's first presidential debate. They traded barbs over the role of religion and how to bring democratic change to Egypt.
npr.org | 11-May-2012 07:55

As Syrian Peace Plan Crumbles, What's Next?
Two deadly explosions on the outskirts of Damascus further undercut a peace plan for Syria. It's clear the current plan isn't working. But there's no consensus on what's the best alternative.
npr.org | 10-May-2012 21:26

Syrian Bomb Blasts Kill At Least 50
Local television has blamed the twin attacks - the largest since an uprising began - on terrorists. The deadly assault could further jeopardize a shaky cease-fire.
npr.org | 10-May-2012 14:00

Syria Says 40 Dead In Damascus Blasts
Two strong explosions ripped through the Syrian capital Thursday, killing more than 40 people and leaving scenes of carnage in the streets in an assault against a center of government power, officials said.
npr.org | 10-May-2012 11:16

Jihadist Group In Syria Adds To Violent Attacks
A relatively new terrorist group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks in Syria. Jabhat al-Nusra Li-Ahl al-Sham, or the Front to Protect the Syrian People, is an al-Qaida-style terrorist group that has apparently entered the fray of violence.
npr.org | 10-May-2012 10:40

Jihadist Group Complicates Picture In Syria
Jihadists might have the same goal as the protesters and rebels in Syria — overthrowing the regime — but not the same plan for what would happen afterward, or the same ideology. Now a relatively new group, Jabhat al-Nusra Li-Ahl al-Sham, or Front to Protect the Syrian People, has entered the fray.
npr.org | 10-May-2012 10:40

Bomb Plot: Secrets Didn't Stay Secret For Long
In the post-Sept. 11 world, intelligence operations are discussed much more freely. This was evident once again with the foiled bomb plot in Yemen. Despite the sensitivity of the case, the details have come out quickly.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 22:50

As Egypt's Economy Stalls, Energy Sector Booms
The Egyptian economy has taken some big hits since the revolution that overthrew President Hosni Mubarak. But the energy sector is flourishing as the government continues to sign production agreements with international oil and gas firms. But in the new Egypt, more and more questions are being raised about the nature of those agreements.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 21:00

Outing Of Al-Qaida Double Agent May Benefit CIA
U.S. officials now say that the man picked to bring a bomb onboard an airliner bound for the United States was actually an agent working on behalf of the CIA. That's the latest twist in a complicated tale — and it raises questions about just how dangerous the group behind the plot really is.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 21:00

What Iraq's Oil Boom Means For The Global Market
In a remarkable shift, Iraq's oil exports jumped by 20 percent since January, and the country exported more oil in April than in any month since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. Energy expert Daniel Yergin discusses how Iraq's oil wealth is driving the Iraqi economy and reshaping the global oil market.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 19:00

The Unintended Consequences Of Libya's Revolution
The fall of Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's regime in Libya was hailed as one of the great successes of the Arab Spring. More than six months later, attacks continue on the prime minister's compound and well-armed mercenary fighters and stockpiles of weapons have made their way into Sub-Saharan Africa.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 19:00

Annan Gives Bleak Assessment Of Syrian Ceasefire
Special envoy Kofi Annan says unacceptable levels of violence and abuse are continuing in Syria. He said military activities have declined somewhat but that the level of violence is still too high. Annan warned about the devastating repercussions if the fragile peace plan failed. NPR's Jackie Northam reports.
npr.org | 09-May-2012 10:00

Palestinians Rally Around Prisoners On Hunger Strike
At least 1,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are on hunger strike to demand an end to the practice of detention without trial as well as more frequent family visits, among other issues. So far, 10 jailed hunger strikers have been hospitalized; two are listed in critical condition.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 22:23

Details Emerge About Underwear Bomb Creator
Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri is the man U.S. authorities believe is behind the latest bomb plot from al-Qaida's arm in Yemen. A former chemistry major dropout, Asiri was radicalized in a Saudi prison after he was arrested for trying to get to Iraq to fight the United States. He has been with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula for six years but really made a name for himself among U.S. intelligence officials until 2009, when they discovered his fingerprint on the underwear bomb on Northwest Airlines Flight 253. Dina Temple-Raston talks to Audie Cornish about the bomb-maker.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 21:00

Clinton Pressures India To Stop Iran Oil Imports
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is heading home after a three day visit to India. Her trip comes at a time when both the U.S. and India are looking to chart a new economic and political course in South Asia.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 21:00

Netanyahu Cancels Early Parliamentary Elections
On Monday, Israel announced it would hold early parliamentary elections. But in a stunning overnight turnaround, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled the vote and announced a new coalition government that will include the leader of the opposition Kadima Party. The surprise development has prompted a wave of speculation in Israel — much of it centered on the new coalition's policy toward Iran and its suspect nuclear program.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 21:00

Busted Bomb Plot Advanced Underwear Scheme
FBI bomb experts continue to study the device involved in the latest al-Qaida plot to bring down a U.S.-bound airliner. U.S. officials say the explosive is a more advanced version of the underwear bomb that malfunctioned aboard a jet in 2009.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 19:00

CIA Analyzing Bomb Tied To Purported Al-Qaida Plot
The unexploded bomb represents an intelligence prize, the result of a covert CIA operation in Yemen that thwarted a suicide mission around the anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden, officials said.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 13:19

Al-Qaida Airline Plot Wasn't A Public Threat
The White House and FBI have confirmed al-Qaida attempted to target a plane bound for the United States. All indications are the plan was conceived by al-Qaida's arm in Yemen. But officials say the plot was foiled before it was any threat to the public.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 12:19

Israel Cancels Early Election, Coalition Formed
In a stunning reversal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called off early elections Tuesday after reaching an agreement to bring the main opposition party into the government, a move that puts a more moderate face on his hawkish coalition.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 10:43

Israel Media Reports Early Election Canceled
According to the media reports, Netanyahu forged an agreement with opposition leader Shaul Mofaz of Kadima a short while before parliament was set to vote to disperse.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 03:02

U.S. Foils Terrorist Plot To Target Airplane
Melissa Block talks to Carrie Johnson about an al-Qaida bomb plot that was thwarted by the CIA.
npr.org | 08-May-2012 00:00

Israel Plans September Vote That Favors Netanyahu
Israel's prime minister has called for parliamentary elections more than a year ahead of Israel's next scheduled vote. Netanyahu and his Likud Party are running strong in the polls, but issues such as Iran, the Israeli economy and the role of the ultra-Orthodox will factor into the campaign.
npr.org | 07-May-2012 19:49

Israel's Government Proposes Early Elections
National elections would be moved up to Sept. 4, putting in motion a brief campaign expected to propel Benjamin Netanyahu to another term as prime minister.
npr.org | 07-May-2012 19:06

Al-Qaida Surprise Attack Kills 20 Yemeni Soldiers
Twenty-five soldiers were captured in the attack just hours after a U.S. drone strike killed a senior figure in the terror network wanted in connection with the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.
npr.org | 07-May-2012 13:58

Opposition Boycotts Syria Parliament Vote
The voting for Syria's 250 member parliament is unlikely to affect the course of Syria's popular uprising, which began 13 months ago with protests against President Bashar Assad's regime. The regime has violently cracked down on dissent and many in the opposition have armed themselves, pushing the country toward civil war.
npr.org | 07-May-2012 12:36

Closing In On The Egyptian Presidential Elections
Political tensions are rising in Egypt ahead of the presidential elections later in May. Deadly protests in the capital are jeopardizing the already fragile transition process that started a year ago after the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak. Robert Siegel talks to Egyptian parliament member Amr Hamzawy for more.
npr.org | 04-May-2012 21:00

Political Change Slow To Come To Bahrain
Opposition activists in Bahrain are still fighting for political change. David Greene talks to opposition leader Khalil Al-Marzooq, and Maryam Al-Khawaja, the daughter of a prominent imprisoned human rights activist, about the pace of change, and the fate of jailed democracy activists in Bahrain.
npr.org | 04-May-2012 10:00

Syrian Government Forces Raid University Campus
At least four students were killed Wednesday night at a university in Syria's largest city. The deaths came as security forces raided several dormitories after students went out of mass anti-government protests on Wednesday. At least 50 people and as many as 200 were rounded up and arrested. One component of the U.N.-brokered peace plan that was supposed to into affect more than two weeks ago is that Syrians be allowed to demonstrate. Authorities have since closed the university until further notice.
npr.org | 03-May-2012 21:00