Middle East

World News

Saudi Arabia, Iran Face Off As Sectarian Tensions Escalate After Executions

10:51pm January 03, 2016

by Deb Amos

A cold war in the Middle East just turned a lot hotter. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni power, and Iran, a Shiite one, have long been bitter rivals, but always maintained diplomatic relations — until now.

World News

Sunni University's Anti-Extremist Message Undercut By Ties To Egypt

8:14am January 03, 2016

by Leila Fadel

Egypt's Al Azhar is a center of Sunni scholarship and is seen as a possible counter to the ideology espoused by ISIS. But its message is undermined by its close relationship with a Western-backed Egyptian regime that crushes dissent.

World News

In Nigeria, A Culture Of Bribery Turns Deadly

8:14am January 03, 2016

by Nick Schifrin

As Nigeria's new president cracks down on former officials who embezzled billions, corruption remains endemic. And sometimes that corruption can have tragic consequences.

National

Gen. Allen: Empowering Iraqi Forces Is Key To Controlling ISIS

8:14am January 03, 2016

Until recently, retired Marine Gen. John Allen led the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Allen about U.S. strategy in Iraq and Syria and whether it's working.

National

Saudi Executions Complicate Fraught Relationship With U.S.

8:14am January 03, 2016

Saudi Arabia executed 47 prisoners charged with terrorism Saturday, sparking sectarian outrage across the region. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with NPR's Deb Amos about how the events have further divided Sunnis and Shiites.

Iranian security stand guard to protect Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran, Iran, while a group of demonstrators gathered to protest execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia late Saturday into early Sunday.

World News

Iranian Protesters Arrested At Saudi Embassy In Tehran

8:58pm January 02, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Angry over the execution of Shiite cleric Sheik Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia, protesters gathered at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, reports Iran's semi-official news agency. Some entered the building.

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World News

Saudi Arabia Executes Dozens, Exacerbating Sectarian Tensions

5:55pm January 02, 2016

by Leila Fadel

The country executed 47 people today, including a prominent cleric for the minority Shia in the Kingdom. Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was a vocal critic of the Saudi monarchy and was arrested in 2012.

The Rise Of The Mega-Mosque In Turkey

5:08pm January 02, 2016

The country has been undergoing a building spree of massive places of worship, which not all the residents are thrilled about. Borzou Daragahi, who's been writing of the boom for Buzzfeed, explains.

Saudis carry a poster in May demanding freedom for jailed Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Nimr was executed on Saturday.

World News

Saudi Arabia's Killing Of Leading Shiite Cleric And 46 Others Sparks Outcry

2:43pm January 02, 2016

by L. Carol Ritchie

Saudi Arabia executed 47 people convicted of terrorism Saturday, including prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr, prompting condemnation throughout the Middle East.

World News

Asia Expert: Taliban's Resergence Threatens Afghanistan's Stability

11:22am January 02, 2016

Andrew Wilder, vice president of Asia programs at the United States Institute of Peace, speaks with NPR'S Scott Simon about why the war in Afghanistan intensified in 2015.

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