Middle East

World News

Syrian Regime Forces Advance Into Rebel-Held Areas Of Aleppo

6:14pm December 08, 2016

by Alice Fordham

Pro-government forces are advancing deep into rebel held areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo, endangering thousands of civilians. In Damascus, the battle is praised as a major victory.

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U.S.-Led Coalition Hits Main Mosul Hospital With Airstrike

12:47pm December 08, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS says it launched the strike at the request of the Iraqi military, and that ISIS was using the hospital complex as a command and control center.

A natural gas refinery is shown here in the South Pars gas field in Asalouyeh, Iran, on the north coast of the Persian Gulf.

Energy Giant Shell Inks Oil Deal With Iran

5:35pm December 07, 2016

by Jackie Northam

Royal Dutch Shell has signed an agreement to develop oil and gas fields in Iran, despite the nuclear deal's uncertain future. It's the largest energy company to return since sanctions were lifted.

In central Damascus, it's clear that President Bashar Assad is firmly in control. People close to the regime and government officials say the mood in the city is "better" as regime forces make gains in rebel-held areas.

World News

As Syrian Government Forces Advance, The War Could Be At A Turning Point

1:23pm December 07, 2016

by Alice Fordham

After more than five years of fighting, President Bashar Assad's military is making significant advances against rebels in Aleppo and is subduing the restive suburbs of Damascus.

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An image from 2015 shows a Pakistan International Airlines plane preparing to leave Chitral for Islamabad. A different plane flying that same route crashed Wednesday.

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Plane Crashes In Northern Pakistan; 48 People Are Believed Dead

12:33pm December 07, 2016

by Bill Chappell

Those onboard included former pop singer Junaid Jamshed, according to local media. Pakistan's aviation agency says the crash seems to have been an accident, not the result of an attack.

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Civilians Face Heightened Danger As Iraqi Forces Fight To Retake Mosul

5:55pm December 06, 2016

by Peter Kenyon

As the number of injuries and deaths increase for civilians in Mosul and Iraqi troops trying to liberate them from ISIS, it raises questions about guidance that civilians should stay in place.

The mummified remains, shown in a 2014 exhibition in Museo Egizio Turin.

Researchers Confident Mysterious Pair Of Mummified Knees Belonged To Queen Nefertari

7:44pm December 05, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Italian archaeologists found a pair of mummified knees in Nefertari's tomb in 1904. For the first time, tests indicate that the knees belonged to the great queen herself.

World News

Christian Refugees Fleeing ISIS Grounds Flock To Parish Of Jordan Priest

8:44am December 04, 2016

A Catholic priest in Jordan has turned his parish into a haven for Christian refugees from ISIS areas of northern Iraq. It's a home for them before many go to the west.

Yemen Crisis: Humanitarians Need 'Unconditional Access' To Reach The Food-Insecure

9:14am December 03, 2016

The civil war in Yemen has killed more than 10,000 people and left most of its population in need of humanitarian assistance. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Muhannad Hadi, Middle-East regional director for the World Food Program, who recently returned from a visit there.

On a morning talk show on Moroccan TV, a makeup artist used a model to show how to conceal bruises caused by domestic violence.

Moroccan TV Tutorial: How To Cover Up Bruises From Domestic Abuse

6:30am December 03, 2016

by Susan Brink

The station has since apologized for the segment. But researchers say it reflects local attitudes toward domestic violence.