Middle East

While The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Devastating Iran, The U.S. Has Added More Sanctions

4:43pm March 30, 2020

by Jackie Northam

The rampant outbreak of the coronavirus in both countries hasn't stopped the United States from slapping tougher and tougher sanctions on Iran in a cold war that keeps simmering.

Queue Listen Now

Jordanian soldiers keep watch in the capital Amman as Jordan takes measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

A Wedding In Jordan Leads To A Coronavirus Cluster And Closure Of A Major City

2:30pm March 27, 2020

by Jane Arraf

The Middle Eastern kingdom says 26 people tested positive for the virus after the large gathering, reportedly including a guest who flew in from Canada.

An anti-Netanyahu protester shouts slogans during a demonstration in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday.

World News

In Israel, An Unexpected Political Twist Could Keep Netanyahu In Power

5:49pm March 26, 2020

After three inconclusive elections, Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz are reportedly close to a deal to rotate as prime minister, with Netanyahu taking the first turn.

In Tehran a member of the Revolutionary Guard disinfects a car on Wednesday, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Iran Needs Help To Fight Coronavirus, But Delivering Aid Is A Challenge

5:17pm March 26, 2020

by Jackie Northam

Iran is dealing with one of the worst outbreaks of the coronavirus in the world. But getting help into the country is hindered both by a truculent Iranian leadership and strong U.S. sanctions.

Capt. Alex Quataert points out the areas the soldiers are visiting on the map.

U.S. Forces In Syria Tackle A More Complex — And Possibly Dangerous — Mission

4:59pm March 26, 2020

American soldiers are helping secure oil fields in northeast Syria — not only from ISIS extremists, but from Syria and Russia as well. It's a relatively new mission for these troops.

Palestinian laborers enter Israel on March 18 through a checkpoint between the West Bank city of Hebron and Beersheva. They carry blankets and mattresses, in preparation to stay in Israel amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Still Locked in Conflict, Israelis and Palestinians Need Each Other To Fight COVID-19

2:38pm March 26, 2020

by Daniel Estrin

Violence hasn't ended, but it's barely registering headlines. "The corona doesn't care about religion," says Palestinian cartoonist Safaa Odah. "Doesn't care where you live."

Queue Listen Now

An FBI poster from 2012 shows (from left) former FBI agent Robert Levinson before his capture, in a video released by his kidnappers and as a composite image of what he might look like after five years in captivity.

U.S. Officials Believe Ex-FBI Agent Who Disappeared In Iran In 2007 Is Dead

8:05am March 26, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Robert Levinson, who went missing while on an unauthorized mission for the CIA, is thought to have died in Iranian custody, his family says.

World News

Family Says Retired FBI Agent, Who Vanished In 2007, Died In Iranian Custody

7:31am March 26, 2020

by Michele Kelemen

Family members of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent missing in Iran for 13 years, say they've concluded he died in Iranian custody — though they don't know when or how.

Queue Listen Now

The streets of Jordan's capital of Amman are seen empty after the start of a nationwide curfew on Saturday amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Jordan Keeps Coronavirus In Check With One Of The World's Strictest Lockdowns

1:36pm March 25, 2020

by Jane Arraf

The Middle Eastern kingdom has forced most people to stay indoors, banned driving and even temporarily shut down grocery stores and pharmacies.

World News

Israelis And Palestinians Now Have A Common Enemy: The Coronavirus

5:40pm March 24, 2020

by Daniel Estrin

Israelis and Palestinians have — if only briefly — set aside some of their mutual suspicion for concern amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Queue Listen Now