Middle East 2009 Archive | PBS NewsHour

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	2009 DECEMBER Dec. 31, 2009 Blackwater Guards Cleared of Charges; Prosecution Could Appeal A federal judge dismissed charges against five Blackwater guards accused of killing seven Iraqis in 2007. Matt Apuzzo of the Associated Press speaks with Ray Suarez about the developments.

	Dec. 31, 2009 Blackwater Guards Cleared of Iraq Shooting Charges by Federal Judge A federal judge in Washington on Thursday dismissed all charges against five Blackwater Worldwide security guards accused of killing unarmed Iraqi civilians in 2007.

	Dec. 31, 2009 Cleric Investigated for Ties to Plane Bombing Plot A U.S.-born cleric, now based in Yemen, is being investigated by U.S. counterterrorism officials for possible links to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year-old Nigerian accused of trying to bring down an airliner on Christmas Day.

	Dec. 29, 2009 In Yemen, U.S. Must Get Ahead of 'Failure Curve' Jeffrey Brown speaks with terrorism experts about the potential threats coming out of Yemen.

	Dec. 29, 2009 Yemen's Ties to Terrorism a Lingering Threat Yemen has taken center stage in recent weeks for being a base of operations for Islamic extremists. Washington Post reporter Sudarsan Raghavan speaks with Jeffrey Brown about the nation's ties to terrorism.

	Dec. 28, 2009 New Clashes Test Iranian Regime's Grip on Tehran In the wake of weekend protests in Iran that left at least eight people dead, Margaret Warner speaks with a pair of experts about the enduring opposition movement.

	Dec. 28, 2009 Deadly Clashes in Iran Spark Another Government Crackdown About 300 people, including at least seven prominent opposition leaders, have been jailed in Iran following renewed protests over the weekend, the largest in six months.

	Dec. 28, 2009 Iranian Police Crack Down on Opposition Protests Deadly clashes broke out Sunday on the streets of central Tehran between opposition protesters and members of the government's security forces during gatherings for the Muslim holiday of Ashura. The conflict has re-ignited political tensions in the country.

	Dec. 28, 2009 After Unrest, Iranian Opposition Leaders Reportedly Arrested At least seven Iranian opposition leaders were reported to have been arrested Monday including three top aides to former presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi just a day after his nephew was killed in the largest political protests in Iran in six months, according to media, witnesses and opposition Web sites.

	Dec. 25, 2009 GlobalPost: Christmastime Dispatches From Around the World During this holiday season, our partners over at GlobalPost have filed a number of holiday reports from around the world, including one on Santa's humble roots on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast and another on how a lack of tourists spells financial trouble for vendors in and around Bethlehem.

	Dec. 24, 2009 Airstrike in Yemen Targets Terror Operatives An airstrike in Yemen has killed at least 30 militants. Among the dead is believed to be an outspoken cleric with ties to the alleged gunman at Fort Hood. Jeffrey Brown talks to experts for details.

	Dec. 24, 2009 Airstrike in Yemen May Have Targeted Cleric Linked to Fort Hood Shootings Yemeni forces backed by U.S. intelligence attacked alleged al-Qaida hide-outs in eastern Yemen early Thursday, killing more than 30 militants, Yemeni security officials have told news organizations.

	Dec. 23, 2009 In Iran, Memorials for Dissident Cleric Morph Into Protests Opposition protests and a smattering of anti-government counter-demonstrations continued in Iran on Wednesday, three days after the death of the country's most senior dissident cleric, Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri.

	Dec. 21, 2009 Iranian Cleric's Death Sparks Renewed Protests Tens of thousands of mourners took to the streets of the Iranian city of Qom on Sunday to honor a founding father of modern Iran and to protest the government he came to oppose.

	Dec. 21, 2009 Iranians Mourn Passing of Dissident Cleric Iranians amassed in Qom on Monday to mourn the loss of dissident cleric, Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, considered the spiritual voice of the opposition movement.

	Dec. 21, 2009 Mauna Loa Birthplace of Global CO2 Monitoring As nations move forward with managing carbon dioxide emissions, how will they track their progress? The answer comes in part from a global network of CO2 sampling sites that was born decades ago at Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

	Dec. 18, 2009 Obama Urges Action, Meets With Chinese Premier President Barack Obama told world leaders Friday that it was time to come together on a climate change agreement, calling out stubborn positions that have stood in the way of progress, namely between rich and poorer countries.

	Dec. 14, 2009 Iran to Put American Hikers on Trial, Official Says Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Monday that three American hikers who "illegally" entered Iran in July would go on trial, though he did not specify when.

	Dec. 8, 2009 Iraq's Recent Calm Shattered by Multiple Blasts A series of five bombs rocked Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least 127 people, and raising new questions about the ability of Iraqi forces to secure their country.

	Dec. 8, 2009 Bombings Shake Iraq as March Elections Set A string of bombings in Baghdad killed more than 100 people Tuesday and raised new doubts about Iraq's security ahead of the country's parliamentary election, now set for March 7.

	Dec. 7, 2009 Students Carry Out Protests in Iran Despite Arrests It's late afternoon in Iran and protesters are clashing with security forces in downtown Tehran and on university campuses.

	Dec. 3, 2009 Thursday's Headlines: Afghanistan Hearings, Bernanke on the Hill On an unusually warm December day in Washington this Thursday, top administration officials are gearing up for another day of hearings on President Obama's decision to send an extra 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.

	Dec. 1, 2009 President Obama Set to Unveil Afghan War Strategy After a three-month review of options, President Barack Obama is set to unveil his long-awaited new strategy for the war in Afghanistan in a prime-time address to the nation tonight.



	NOVEMBER Nov. 30, 2009 U.S., Europe Respond Angrily to Iran's Threat to Build More Nuclear Plants Iran has refused to comply with a United Nations demand to halt enrichment at one of its nuclear facilities, and escalated the specter of new sanctions by declaring it would build 10 more plants.

	Nov. 27, 2009 How Will Dubai's Shaky Economy Affect the World? Margaret Warner talks to economic expert Simon Johnson about how Dubai's weak economy will affect the rest of the world.

	Nov. 27, 2009 Dubai's Debt Crisis Shakes World Economy The Middle East is roiling with news that Dubai will postpone repaying $60 billion in loans to international banks. Faisal Islam of Independent Television News has the story.

	Nov. 26, 2009 Reporter's Podcast: Britain Launches Iraq War Inquiry A British inquiry opened this week looking into the country's participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Paul Davies of Independent Television News describes testimony that the Bush Administration mentioned Iraq on the day of the 9/11 attacks.

	Nov. 13, 2009 Mideast Political Uncertainty Stymies Peace Process Barack Obama's first call made as president to a foreign leader went to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He told the beleaguered leader that he was firmly committed to working for Middle East peace, and that he saw Abbas as his partner.

	Nov. 10, 2009 Iraqi Refugees Discover Security Comes at a Price Nearly 32,000 Iraqi refugees have come to the United States over the past three years to escape violence and political uncertainty. But as Jeffrey Kaye reports, more refugees are learning that personal safety often comes at the cost of economic security.

	Nov. 10, 2009 Jailed Hikers Caught in Tensions Between U.S. and Iran Three U.S. hikers, captured in Iran, are at the center of a war of words this week, with initial reports suggesting they would be charged with espionage, but subsequent statements saying they would be prosecuted for entering the country illegally.

	Nov. 4, 2009 Iranian Protesters Clash on Anniversary of U.S. Embassy Takeover Thousands of Iranians rallied outside the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran Wednesday to mark 30 years since Iranian students took over the compound and held dozens of Americans hostage. Opposition supporters also briefly staged their own protests.



	OCTOBER Oct. 27, 2009 Iran Seeks Big Changes in Uranium Deal Iran vowed Tuesday to seek "important changes" in a United Nations plan that would require it to ship its enriched uranium out of the country for processing abroad, raising alarm among Western governments involved in nuclear talks with the country.

	Oct. 26, 2009 Other News: Security in Iraq Questioned After Massive Bombings In other news, Iraqi forces beefed up security one day after a blast killed 155 people and injured 500 others, and 11 Iranians were arrested in Pakistan for attempting to illegal enter the country.

	Oct. 23, 2009 Conversation: 'A New Way Forward' Through Cultural Exchange From "American Idol" to "Afghan Star," art and entertainment can be powerful tools for cultural exchange. That's the argument in the recent report, "A New Way Forward," which calls for the utilization of the arts to build a better relationship with the Muslim world.

	Oct. 23, 2009 Iran Produces Counterproposal to U.N. Nuclear Deal Iran sidestepped a Friday deadline on a U.N.-drafted agreement that would ship much of the country's uranium to Russia for enrichment, saying it would prefer instead to buy nuclear fuel from foreign suppliers for a reactor to make medical isotopes.

	Oct. 21, 2009 Under Nuclear Deal, Russia Would Process Iran's Enriched Uranium A draft deal -- up for Iranian approval by Friday -- would require Iran to send most of its existing enriched uranium to Russia for processing, in an attempt to delay Tehran's ability to make a nuclear weapon.

	Oct. 19, 2009 Other News: Iran Vows 'Crushing Response' to Bombing In other news, Iraq's Revolutionary Guard promised a "crushing response" after a suicide bomb killed five commanders, and nuclear talks with Iran convened in Vienna.

	Oct. 12, 2009 Turkey, Armenia Sign Accord to Normalize Ties Over the weekend, Turkey and Armenia's foreign ministers signed an accord to establish ties between the two countries and open their shared border, but an occupied territory in Azerbaijan remains a major sticking point for final approval.

	Oct. 2, 2009 Palestinians Release Video of Israeli Soldier as Part of Prisoner Exchange A thin but healthy-looking Israeli soldier, captured more than three years ago, said in a video released Friday that he is being treated well by his Palestinian captors and asked to come home.

	Oct. 1, 2009 Iran Gives Nod to Inspections, More Nuclear Talks Iran has agreed to a second round of discussions over its disputed nuclear program following a meeting in Geneva on Thursday with diplomats from the U.S. and other world powers.

	Oct. 1, 2009 Iran Agrees to Inspections of Secret Nuclear Facility Iran agreed to open its newly disclosed nuclear enrichment facility to international inspectors Thursday, but President Barack Obama warned that the nation must follow its words with action.



	SEPTEMBER Sept. 29, 2009 Iran Defends 'Rights' to Nuclear Program Iran said on Tuesday that it will not debate its "rights" to operate nuclear facilities but did signal that a timetable would soon be forthcoming for inspectors to visit a newly-revealed uranium-enrichment plant.

	Sept. 28, 2009 Iran Seeks Image of Defiance With New Missile Tests Iran has test-fired its most advanced missiles, demonstrating its ability to strike targets as far away as Europe, and increasing tensions over its nuclear program. Analysts break down the details of the development.

	Sept. 28, 2009 Iran Continues with Missile Tests Iran continued with missile tests for a second straight day Monday, firing mid-range missiles capable of hitting Israel, parts of Europe, and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Lindsey Hilsum of ITN reports.

	Sept. 28, 2009 Iran Claims Missile Test as Calls for New Sanctions Grow Iran claimed a test firing of its most advanced missiles Monday, further stoking diplomatic tensions ahead of crucial talks this week between the Islamic nation and world powers over its nuclear program.

	Sept. 25, 2009 World Leaders Warn Iran Over Uranium Enrichment President Obama and the leaders of France and Britain accused Iran Friday of building a covert uranium-enrichment site. Former U.N. weapons inspector David Albright examines what's known about the Iranian facility.

	Sept. 25, 2009 Leaders Warn Iran Over Secret Enrichment Site Iran has revealed the existence of a secret uranium-enrichment plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday, a development that could heighten fears about Tehran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon.

	Sept. 24, 2009 World Faces Tough Choices on Iran's Nuclear Program Rahm Emanuel tells PBS' Charlie Rose that Iran knows the choices it faces in the global community due to its nuclear ambitions. Also, analysts tell Jim Lehrer that Iran's 'tactical' decisions continue to frustrate the world.

	Sept. 24, 2009 U.N. Passes Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a U.S.-sponsored resolution Thursday aimed at ridding the world of nuclear weapons.

	Sept. 23, 2009 President Obama Tells U.N. World Can't 'Wait for America' to Lead In his first address to the U.N. General Assembly, President Barack Obama bluntly said world leaders who once accused the United States of acting alone must now join with him to solve global crises rather than "wait for America" to lead.

	Sept. 22, 2009 Obama Urges Abbas, Netanyahu to Advance Talks Undertaking a foreign policy challenge that that has vexed world leaders for years, President Barack Obama pressed Israeli and Palestinians leaders Tuesday to do more to reach an elusive Mideast peace deal.

	Sept. 18, 2009 Election Tempers Reignite at Rallies Across Iran Demonstrators clashed in the streets of Tehran Friday in renewed protest of the results of June's election. The protests came amid a day of anti-Israel rallies, which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used to once again deny the Holocaust. ITN reports.

	Sept. 18, 2009 Pro-government, Opposition Supporters Clash in Tehran Rallies Supporters of Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi clashed with security forces and government supporters Friday during annual pro-Palestinian rallies in Tehran, renewing tensions around the results of June's presidential election.

	Sept. 16, 2009 Ahead of G-20, IMF Chief Seeks New Global Finance Rules The global economy is slowly starting to rebound, but in order to prevent another crisis nation's must embrace stricter financial oversight, said Dominique Strauss-Kahn, managing director of the IMF, in an interview with the NewsHour's Paul Solman.

	Sept. 15, 2009 U.N. Finds Evidence of War Crimes in Gaza Fighting A U.N. report has concluded that both the Israeli military and armed Palestinian groups committed actions amounting to war crimes during December's three-week war in Gaza. Gwen Ifill speaks with an author of the report and the Israeli ambassador to the U.S.



	AUGUST Aug. 28, 2009 IAEA Report Shows Some Slowdown, but Continued Nuclear Activity in Iran Iran has showed some signs of cooperation in slowing its uranium enrichment activity but indicators continue to point toward a covert nuclear weapon program, according to a report released Friday by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

	Aug. 26, 2009 Iraq's Shiite Political Leader Dies in Iran One of Iraq's most powerful Shiite Muslim party leaders died Wednesday at the age of 59 in Iran, where he was being treated for lung cancer, reported the Associated Press.

	Aug. 20, 2009 Other News: Death Toll Climbs from Baghdad Attacks In other news, the death toll from Wednesday's bombings across Baghdad climbed to at least 101 people, and ten alleged leaders of Mexican frug cartels have been indicted in the U.S.

	Aug. 19, 2009 Iraqi Authorities Hunt for Clues After Baghdad Bombings Insurgent attacks in the Iraqi capital killed at least 95 people Wednesday. A Christian Science Monitor journalist provides an update from Baghdad.

	Aug. 19, 2009 Series of Blasts Kills 75, Wounds 300 in Baghdad A wave of explosions targeting government and commercial buildings struck Baghdad Wednesday, killing at least 75 people and wounding more than 300, Iraqi police and medical officials said.

	Aug. 18, 2009 Obama 'Encouraged' on Pace of Peace Efforts President Obama said Tuesday after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that he is encouraged by progress in U.S. efforts to bring Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

	Aug. 18, 2009 U.S., Egypt Take Steps Toward Better Relations Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday to discuss how to resolve issues in the Middle East, while seeking to broaden relations between each other's countries.

	Aug. 10, 2009 Bombings in Iraq Stoke Fears of More Sectarian Violence In Iraq, 48 people were killed and 250 others wounded today in the latest string of attacks against Shiites. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Jonathan Rugman reports.

	Aug. 5, 2009 Obama Addresses Criticism on Stimulus Spending Amid the continuing debate over the effectiveness of the federal stimulus funds, President Obama unveiled new grants that he said can help rebuild the economy. A ProPublica reporter discusses how some hard-hit areas are getting more money, but others are not.

	Aug. 5, 2009 Iran's President Ahmadinejad Sworn In for Second Term With protesters chanting "death to the dictator" and extra police deployed around the parliament building, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in for a second term in office Wednesday.

	Aug. 5, 2009 Q&A: Director of Committee to Protect Journalists Discusses Reporter Detentions Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists spoke with the Online NewsHour about journalist arrests around the world and the release of reporters Euna Lee and Laura Ling from North Korea.

	Aug. 3, 2009 Trial of Protesters Proceeds as Ahmadinejad Endorsed in Iran Political unrest continued in Iran Monday as the government pressed ahead with a mass trial of opposition supporters and President Ahmadinejad was endorsed by the supreme leader.

	Aug. 3, 2009 Iran's Top Cleric Endorses Ahmadinejad as Second-term President Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, formally endorsed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a second term as president Monday, clearing the way for the hard-line leader to take the oath of office on Wednesday before the parliament.



	JULY July 31, 2009 July Was Deadliest Month for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Margaret Warner updates the U.S. war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan then speaks with a Washington Post reporter about the latest military strategy.

	July 31, 2009 Iraq Adviser: U.S. Must 'Declare Victory and Go Home' A memo circulated among the military and media, written by an adviser to the Iraqi military's Baghdad command, says the U.S. military has prepared Iraqi Security Forces as much as it can and should head home ahead of schedule.

	July 30, 2009 In Iran, New Burst of Demonstrations Escalate Political Tensions Hundreds of Iranian opposition supporters gathered Thursday to mourn slain demonstrator Neda Agha Soltan. Police reportedly used tear gas to break up the crowd. A Los Angeles Times reporter discusses the latest developments.

	July 30, 2009 Riot Police Crack Down on Mourners in Iran Opposition demonstrators were met with riot police and tear gas Thursday in Tehran. Lindsey Hilsum from Independent Television News reports.

	July 29, 2009 In Iran, Fear Grows Over Treatment of Arrested Election Demonstrators Margaret Warner updates the political situation in Iran, where concerns are growing about the treatment of demonstrators arrested after the disputed election.

	July 29, 2009 Gates: U.S. Could Quicken Iraq Troop Withdrawal The U.S. military could accelerate its withdrawal from the Iraq war thanks to a sustained drop in violence, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday after talks with his top commanders.

	July 28, 2009 Other News: Sotomayor Nomination Heads to Full Senate In other news, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 to recommend Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice, and consumer confidence fell for a second straight month.

	July 27, 2009 Elections Mark Possible Turning Point for Kurds Over the weekend, Kurds across the three northern regions of Iraq went to the polls to elect new leaders. The two parties that have controlled the autonomous region for 20 years faced a powerful challenge from a new opposition party.

	July 23, 2009 In Washington, Iraqi PM Focuses on Security Steps During a weeklong visit to the U.S., Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met with President Obama to discuss the road ahead for the country's security situation and other key policy issue. Margaret Warner reports.

	July 22, 2009 Al-Maliki Visits White House Aiming to Bolster Iraq's Economy, Security Standing next to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the White House, President Barack Obama said Wednesday the United States and Iraq were in a "full transition" and would continue the plan to withdraw troops by the end of 2011.

	July 17, 2009 Tensions Flare Anew in Iran Over Disputed Election Major new protests erupted in Iran Friday in the wake of last month's disputed presidential election. Experts join Judy Woodruff to assess the ongoing tensions in Tehran.

	July 17, 2009 Protesters Clash With Police In Continued Iranian Unrest More than month after its election, anti-government protestors continue to show their defiance for the sitting government. Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports.

	July 17, 2009 Protests Ripple Through Iran in Wake of Election The landslide reelection of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on June 12 sparked massive street protests in Tehran. Even a month later, when Ali Akbar Rafsanjani led Friday prayers, protesters again clashed with security forces -- evidence of the still simmering tensions.

	July 9, 2009 Still-simmering Political Tensions Resurface in Iran Iranians returned to the streets of Tehran Thursday to protest a disputed presidential vote. Analysts assess the latest developments.

	July 9, 2009 After 10 Days of Peace, Tension Returns to the Streets of Tehran Marking the 10 year anniversary of a violent crackdown against student demonstrators, Iranians returned to the streets of Tehran Thursday to protest a disputed presidential vote. Kwame Holman reports.

	July 9, 2009 String of Bombs in Iraq Highlight Security Challenges More than 40 people died in series of bomb attacks across Iraq Thursday, as the country continues its struggle to improve security.

	July 1, 2009 Iraq's Security Forces Making New Progress, Odierno Says Gen. Ray Odierno, head of multi-national forces in Iraq, gives his take on for the country's path to stability one day after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraqi cities.



	JUNE June 30, 2009 Security Fears Loom as U.S. Troops Drawback in Iraq The exit of U.S. forces from cities in Iraq was celebrated on Tuesday, even as many in the nation worried about the ability of Iraqi police and military forces to provide adequate security. Jane Arraf of The Christian Science Monitor discusses the situation with Judy Woodruff.

	June 30, 2009 Iraqis Celebrate as U.S. Forces Exit Cities Iraq celebrated a public holiday Tuesday in commemoration of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country's cities. Judy Woodruff reports.

	June 30, 2009 Iraqi Forces Take Over Cities as U.S. Steps Back Six years after the U.S.-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein, Iraq declared a public holiday Tuesday to mark the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from cities and towns, staging a military parade aimed at illustrating its security progress.

	June 30, 2009 As U.S. Troops Depart Cities, Iraqis Assume Security Role According to the Iraqi-U.S. security pact, U.S. combat troops are leaving Iraqi cities by June 30 and the soldiers who remain will coordinate, train and advise Iraqi security forces at their request, said U.S. military spokesman in Iraq Brig. Gen. Stephen Lanza.

	June 26, 2009 Iran Reasserts Legitimacy of Vote, Obama Condemns Violence Iran's top electoral body on Friday reasserted its evaluation of the disputed presidential election, calling the contest the "healthiest" since the country's Islamic Revolution in 1979.

	June 26, 2009 Iran Protests Play Out Online Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi filled the streets of Tehran, protesting a June 12 vote that saw President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad win re-election in a landslide.

	June 24, 2009 Iran's Mousavi Thrust Into Spotlight as Opposition Leader Iran reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife, Zahra Rahnavard, have emerged as the face of the country's political opposition. But who are they? Analysts offer insight.

	June 24, 2009 Political Unrest Continues on Streets of Tehran New York Times reporter Nazila Fathi speaks with Gwen Ifill about the latest developments on the political unrest in Iran.

	June 24, 2009 Iran Will Not 'Yield to Pressure,' Vows Khamenei Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed on Wednesday that he would not "yield to pressure at any cost" over this month's disputed presidential election results. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Jonathan Miller reports.

	June 24, 2009 Khamenei: Iran Will Not 'Yield to Pressure' In the face of popular dissent over disputed presidential election results, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated Wednesday that the government would not "yield to pressure at any cost."

	June 23, 2009 Senators Weigh In on U.S. Response to Iranian Protests The tone of President Obama's response to the disputed Iranian election has drawn fire from some on Capitol Hill. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., assess the U.S. response to the protests.

	June 23, 2009 President Obama Condemns 'Unjust Actions' in Iran Hours after Iran's electoral authority announced it found "no major irregularities" in this month's disputed election, President Barack Obama said at a White House press conference that he "strongly" condemned the Iranian regime's use of force to quell protests.

	June 23, 2009 Iran's Election Authority Finds No Major Fraud in Vote After days of street protests over the June 12 presidential election, Iran's electoral authority announced Tuesday it found "no major irregularities" in the vote. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Jonathan Miller reports.

	June 23, 2009 Iran Finds 'No Major Fraud' in Presidential Vote Iran's top electoral authority reported Tuesday that it found "no major fraud" in the country's June 12 presidential election and will not annul the results, refuting days of street protests over the outcome of the vote.

	June 22, 2009 Police, Protesters Clash Anew in Iran Despite warnings from Iran's Revolutionary Guard, as well as violence that left at least 10 people dead over the weekend, demonstrators in Tehran continued to rally against the results of this month's disputed presidential election. ITN correspondent Lindsey Hilsum reports.

	June 22, 2009 New Warning Issued to Iran's Election Protesters After a weekend of violence-tinged protests, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to demonstrators that they would face a "revolutionary confrontation" if they continued to protest results of the June 12 presidential vote.

	June 19, 2009 Political Unrest May Widen Rifts Among Iran's Clerics Iran's supreme leader defended the results of last week's disputed election Friday, and warned opposition supporters against further rallies. Analysts offer insight on the role of Iran's clerics in the dispute.

	June 19, 2009 Iran's Ruling Cleric Calls For End to Protests Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Friday defended the "absolute victory" of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in last week's disputed presidential election, and warned opposition supporters against further rallies. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Lindsey Hilsum reports.

	June 19, 2009 Iran's Supreme Leader Sides With Ahmadinejad in Disputed Election Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday defended President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the rightful winner in the country's June 12 elections and disputed any possibility that the vote was rigged, as other candidates have contended.

	June 18, 2009 In Iran, Disputed Election Fuels Ongoing Political Unrest With election protests continuing in Iran, the nation's 12-member Guardian Council has agreed to hear the grievances of Mir Hussein Mousavi and other candidates. Analysts discuss the unfolding developments.

	June 18, 2009 Protesters Swarm Tehran to Mourn Fallen Demonstrators Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in the Iranian capital of Tehran to mourn the deaths of demonstrators killed after last week's disputed presidential election. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Lindsey Hilsum reports.

	June 18, 2009 Iranian Protesters Mourn Deaths as Guardian Council Calls in Candidates Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi rallied in Tehran again Thursday, many dressed in black and carrying candles to mourn demonstrators killed in post-election clashes, according to witnesses.

	June 17, 2009 Iranian Protesters Mobilize on Social Media Web Sites Social media Web sites like Twitter and Facebook are playing an important role in political protests rippling through Iran. Margaret Warner speaks with experts about how such social networking sites are affecting Tehran's political scene.

	June 17, 2009 In Iran, Political Protests Move Online As pro-government forces in Iran try to quell protests over last week's disputed presidential election, supporters of reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi are taking their fight to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, reports Lindsey Hilsum of ITN Channel 4.

	June 17, 2009 Iranian Election Tensions Continue With Call for New Rally Supporters of Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi gathered in downtown Tehran for a fifth straight day Wednesday as their candidate continued his challenge to the country's supreme leader and cleric-led system.

	June 16, 2009 Iran Remains on Edge as Election Recount Begins Iran's Guardian Council agreed to a partial recount of votes from the disputed presidential election, leaving the future political direction of the country in new doubt.

	June 16, 2009 Iran Plans Limited Recount, Media Faces Restrictions At least 7 people were reported killed in Tehran during ongoing protests of last week's disputed presidential election as Iran's 12-person Guardian Council said it would begin a partial recount of votes. Los Angeles Times reporter Borzou Daragahi talks to Margaret Warner from Tehran.

	June 16, 2009 In Iran, Government Supporters Turn Out as Election Protests Continue Political pressure built in Iran today as pro-government supporters took to the streets and reform-movement backers continued their protests of last week's presidential election results. ITN's Channel 4 news correspondent Lindsey Hilsum reports.

	June 16, 2009 In Iran, Recount to Begin as 7 Die in Protests Iran's 12-person Guardian Council said Tuesday it would begin a partial recount of votes in Friday's disputed presidential election, as seven people were reportedly killed during a massive march through the streets of Tehran.

	June 15, 2009 Analysts Discuss Netanyahu's Speech Analysts discuss the significance of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's statements accepting a demilitarized Palestinian state.

	June 15, 2009 Netanyahu Backs Plans for Demilitarized Palestinian State Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a major policy speech Sunday that he would accept a Palestinian state as long as it recognized Israel and was demilitarized. Margaret Warner reports on reaction to the speech.

	June 15, 2009 After Disputed Vote, Iran's Leaders Face Continued Protests Analysts discuss Iran's disputed presidential election and how protests by supporters of reform-movement leader Mir Hossein Mousavi will shape the country's political future.

	June 15, 2009 Thousands Protest Election Results in Iran, Defying Ban Thousands defied a government ban to turn out in Tehran's streets protesting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's declaration of victory following Friday's presidential election. ITN's Bill Neely reports from Tehran.

	June 15, 2009 Netanyahu Calls for Demilitarized Palestinian State Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a major policy speech Sunday that he would accept a Palestinian state as long as it recognized Israel as a Jewish state and was demilitarized.

	June 15, 2009 Disputing Election, Pro-reform Marchers Fill Tehran Streets Tens of thousands of supporters of Iranian pro-reform leader Mir Hossein Mousavi streamed into the center of Tehran Monday in a boisterous protest against Friday's election results that declared President Mamoud Ahmadinejad the winner.

	June 12, 2009 Iran's Future Unclear Following Presidential Election President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his main challenger, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, both claimed victory in Iran's election Friday. Analysts examine the impact of the heated contest.

	June 12, 2009 Iran's Presidential Election Hotly Contested Christian Science Monitor reporter Scott Peterson provides an update on Iran's presidential election.

	June 12, 2009 High Voter Turnout in Close Iranian Presidential Election Independent Television News reporter Lindsey Hilsum reports from Iran on the scene at the polls during Friday's presidential election.

	June 12, 2009 Iranians Jam Polling Places in Hard-fought Presidential Election Iranians voted Friday in a highly charged election for president in which hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seeking a second term against candidates including the more moderate former prime minister, Mirhossein Moussavi.

	June 10, 2009 Presidential Election Becoming a Heated Contest in Iran In Iran, the presidential election is turning into a contest with several contenders seeking to unseat the current leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports on the political mood of Tehran in the lead-up to Friday's election.

	June 10, 2009 Iraqi Youth Pursue an Education in Syria Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have fled to Syria over the decades because of oppression under former leader Saddam Hussein or instability from the Iraq war. They are receiving help from aid groups, though at times still encountering problems in areas including education.

	June 8, 2009 Western-backed Bloc Keeps Majority After Lebanese Vote A Western-backed, anti-Syrian coalition maintained a parliamentary majority in Lebanon after elections Sunday in which some observers had expected to see Hezbollah make gains.

	June 5, 2009 Hezbollah, Pro-Western Blocs at Odds in Lebanese Elections Lebanon's parliamentary elections on Sunday pit a Western-backed coalition now holding the majority in the government against an Iranian- and Syrian-backed alliance led by Hezbollah.

	June 4, 2009 Obama Urges Cooperation With Muslim World In a sweeping speech in Cairo, President Obama called for stronger U.S.-Muslim alliances, urging each to put suspicions aside and unite to combat violent extremism.

	June 4, 2009 Muslim-Americans React to President Obama's Speech Several Muslim-Americans, who gathered at a community center in Maryland, said they liked how President Obama acknowledged the Muslim community in his June 4 speech in Egypt and addressed sensitive issues, but they also saw many challenges to his vision.

	June 4, 2009 Reaction to President Obama's Cairo Speech A roundup of reaction from officials and citizens across the Middle East and elsewhere to President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim world in Cairo Thursday.

	June 4, 2009 Text: President Obama's Speech in Cairo Following is the text of President Barack Obama's speech in Cairo on relations between the U.S. and Muslim world, as prepared for delivery and released by the White House to media organizations.

	June 4, 2009 In Cairo Speech, Obama Seeks 'New Beginning' for U.S., Muslim World Delivering a much-anticipated address in Cairo Thursday, President Barack Obama called for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims" that can reframe the debate on the fight against violent extremism and other key issues.

	June 3, 2009 Obama, Saudi King Meet About Speech, Mideast Tensions President Obama met with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Wednesday ahead of his speech in Egypt aimed at improving relations with the Muslim world. Ray Suarez reports.

	June 3, 2009 Obama Seeks Saudi King's Counsel on Eve of Address to Muslim World President Barack Obama began his latest effort to open a dialogue with the Muslim world with a visit to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.



	MAY May 28, 2009 Questions of Legitimacy Loom Over Abbas In Meeting with Obama President Obama met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday to discuss divisions among the Palestinian people and the ongoing controversy over Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Two Mideast analysts mull the outcome of the meeting.

	May 28, 2009 Settlement Issue Looms Over Obama, Abbas Meeting Margaret Warner reports on reactions to the meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and President Barack Obama Thursday.

	May 27, 2009 Conversation: Amos Oz Amos Oz's latest book, "Rhyming Life & Death," is a fictional account of eight hours in the life of a famous Israeli writer. Known only as "Author," we follow the literary celebrity as he participates in a discussion of his work on a humid evening in Tel Aviv.

	May 25, 2009 Other News: Ahmadinejad Challenges Obama to Debate; U.S. Marks Memorial Day Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad challenged President Obama to a debate if he is re-elected as Iran's president next month, and in Pakistan, the Taliban has called for refugees to return to the Swat Valley. At Arlington Cemetery, President Obama paid tribute to fallen troops.

	May 22, 2009 Riding Program Helps Soldiers Heal A therapeutic riding program at Fort Myer in Arlington, Va., helps injured soldiers with their physical and mental recovery by having them ride horses usually used in the formal funeral processions in Arlington National Cemetery.

	May 22, 2009 Surge in Iraq Violence Underscores Fragile Situation Four bombings over the last two days have killed at least 60 in Iraq, raising concerns as the June 30 deadline for all U.S. troops to be out of Iraqi cities approaches. New York Times reporter Campbell Robertson reports from Baghdad.

	May 22, 2009 Amid Contentious Elections, Biden's Lebanon Visit Draws Ire From Hezbollah Vice President Joe Biden's visit Friday to Lebanon just days ahead of a closely contested parliamentary election has prompted some members of Hezbollah to criticize the United States for trying to influence the vote.

	May 21, 2009 Bombs Kills 3 U.S. Soldiers, At Least 20 Iraqis A wave of violence continued in Iraq on Thursday, when bombings in Baghdad and the northern city of Kirkuk left three U.S. soldiers dead and at least nine others wounded.

	May 20, 2009 After U.S.-Israel Talks, Iran Announces Test Launch of New Missile President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran had successfully launched a new missile with a range of about 1,200 miles, giving it the capability to hit Israel, southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf. Margaret Warner reports on the developments.

	May 20, 2009 Iran's Candidates for President Campaigning for Iran's June 12 presidential election has begun, as the country's powerful 12-member Guardian Council chooses four candidates from a field of more than 450.

	May 20, 2009 After U.S.-Israel Talks, Iran Announces Test Launch of New Missile President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran had successfully launched a new surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 1,200 miles, giving it the capability to hit Israel, southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf.

	May 19, 2009 Poll Explores Arab Views of U.S. Mideast Peace Plan A recent poll conducted by Zogby International sheds light on how citizens of Arab nations view President Obama and his agenda. Shibley Telhami, principal investigator of the poll, describes the findings.

	May 18, 2009 Netanyahu, Obama Meet on Mideast Peace, Iran Threat President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday, discussing Israeli-Palestinian talks and Iran's nuclear ambitions. Margaret Warner reports.

	May 12, 2009 Mystery Surrounds Iran's Motives for Releasing Journalist The day after the release of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who was jailed for months, analysts examine what Tehran's motives might be in ending the dispute over her case.

	May 12, 2009 Army Sgt. Charged with Murder in Iraq Clinic Attack A U.S. soldier suspected of killing five fellow servicemembers Monday at a military counseling clinic in Baghdad was charged Tuesday with five counts of murder, the U.S. military said in a statement.

	May 11, 2009 Benedict Visits Middle East in Closely-watched Pilgrimage Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." National Catholic reporter John Allen describes the papal voyage.

	May 11, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI Arrives in Middle East for Five-Day Visit Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." Ray Suarez reports.

	May 11, 2009 Benedict Visits Middle East in Closely-watched Pilgrimage Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names."



	APRIL April 30, 2009 UK to End Combat, Continue Training Operations in Iraq British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Thursday that troops from the UK will end their six years of combat operations in Iraq but will keep a small presence in the country to assist with training Iraqi naval forces.

	April 24, 2009 Two Suicide Bombers Strike Baghdad, Continuing Wave of Violence Two suicide bombers struck a Shiite holy site in Baghdad Friday, killing at least 60 people and wounding at least 125 more.

	April 24, 2009 String of Bombings in Iraq Underscores Fragile Situation A string of suicide bombings in Iraq on Thursday and Friday killed more than 100 people and sparked concerns of new waves of violence across the country. A reporter in Baghdad updates the story.

	April 24, 2009 Conversation: Adina Hoffman, Author of Biography of Taha Muhammad Ali Several years ago Jeffrey Brown had the opportunity to travel through Israel and the West Bank to talk to Palestinian and Israeli poets. Among the remarkable writers I met there and the one who made the greatest impression on viewers was Taha Muhammad Ali.

	April 23, 2009 Bombings Kill at Least 78 in Iraq's Deadliest Day in More Than a Year More than 78 people were killed and dozens more were wounded Thursday in two bombings in Iraq, one in Baghdad and one north of the city. In other news, the Iraqi military said they captured a suspected leader of an al-Qaida military group.

	April 20, 2009 Next Steps Unclear for Jailed U.S. Journalist in Iran Iran's judiciary ordered an investigation Monday into the case of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who faces a prison sentence in Iran on espionage charges. Analysts and journalists, including NPR CEO Vivian Schiller, assess what may be next for Saberi.

	April 20, 2009 Iran to Investigate Case of Jailed U.S. Journalist Iran's judiciary ordered an investigation Monday into the case of U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi, who faces a prison sentence in Iran on espionage charges.

	April 20, 2009 Poem of the Week: 'Where' Taha Muhammad Ali was born in 1931 in the Galilee village of Saffuriya. He has published several collections of poetry and is also writes short stories. A new biography of Muhammad Ali ('My Happiness Bears No Relation to Happiness') written by Adina Hoffman, has just come out.

	April 16, 2009 Key Player: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the right-leaning Likud party, became Israel's prime minister on March 31, 2009 following unusual parliamentary election results.

	April 10, 2009 Bomb Kills 5 U.S. Soldiers, 2 Iraqis in Mosul A suicide bomber detonated a truck filled with explosives Friday outside an Iraqi base in Mosul, killing five U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi policemen in the deadliest attack for U.S. forces in more than a year, according to the U.S. military.

	April 9, 2009 Iran Advances Nuclear Program While Welcoming Talks With U.S. One day after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his country was open to talks with the United States and other countries on its nuclear program, the Iranian president announced further progress in its disputed nuclear program.

	April 8, 2009 U.S. to Talk Directly With Iran on Nuclear Program Marking a shift away from Bush administration policy, the State Department said Wednesday it would talk directly to Iran about its nuclear activities.

	April 7, 2009 Secretary of Defense Gates Defends New Budget Priorities Defense Secretary Robert Gates sits down with Judy Woodruff to discuss the insurgency in Iraq, the need for assistance in Afghanistan and shifts in long-term spending priorities.

	April 7, 2009 Obama Urges Iraqis to Take Larger Role in Controlling Country In an unannounced trip to Iraq Tuesday President Obama met with national leaders, urging the Iraqis to take a larger role in controlling the country and reiterating his pledge to have all military personnel out of the country by 2011. Kwame Holman reports.

	April 7, 2009 In Surprise Iraq Visit, Obama Tells U.S. Troops Much Work Remains During his first visit to a war zone since taking office, President Barack Obama told U.S. troops in Iraq that many tasks remain before the war can end and they can come home.

	April 6, 2009 Obama Looks to Strengthen Ties With Turkey President Obama spoke in favor of Turkey's accession into the European Union and urged a greater bond between Americans and Muslims in a speech to the Turkish parliament on Monday.

	April 3, 2009 Heading Into NATO Summit, Obama Pushes Afghanistan Agenda Continuing his first European tour as president, Barack Obama is meeting Friday with NATO allies in France, in part to rally support for his new strategy in Afghanistan.



	MARCH March 31, 2009 Netanyahu Submits Cabinet List, Offers Words of Peace Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to seek a "permanent arrangement" with the Palestinians and peace with the Arab world as he took office Tuesday and submitted his government roster for parliamentary approval.

	March 31, 2009 Iran, U.S. Participate in Summit on Stabilizing Afghanistan An international summit attended by more than 80 nations, including both the United States and Iran, convened in the Hague Tuesday to discuss stabilizing Afghanistan.

	March 25, 2009 Video of Full Miller Center Debate on Iran Margaret Warner moderated an hour-long Miller Center debate featuring four panelists discussing the U.S. response to a possible future nuclear-armed Iran.

	March 25, 2009 Panelists Debate U.S. Response to Iran's Nuclear Ambitions Iran's uranium enrichment program, which can be used to develop weapons although Iran says it is for peaceful purposes, has prompted sanctions and sharp rebukes from the international community. In a Miller Center debate, four panelists discuss how the United States should respond to the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran.

	March 25, 2009 Kurds, Water Issues Raised at Historic Meeting During two days of talks this week, Turkish President Abdullah Gul discussed with Iraqi leaders the pressing issues of controlling Kurdish rebels along both countries' borders and providing more water to Iraq.

	March 23, 2009 Jerusalem: Center of the World In the PBS special "Jerusalem: Center of the World," Ray Suarez takes a historical look at the city where Jews, Christians and Muslims have come for centuries to look for God.

	March 20, 2009 Other News: Wall Street Ends Second Week of Gains In other news, Wall Street closed its second straight week of gains and President Obama reached out to Iranians through a taped video message encouraging public engagement and dialogue.

	March 20, 2009 It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's 'The 99' It looks like an ordinary American comic book; heroes wear brightly colored spandex costumes and use their bulging muscles or supernatural powers to try to conquer the forces of evil. But look again. One of the superheroes is wearing a burka.

	March 20, 2009 Israel's Next Top Diplomat Has History of Ruffling Feathers Israel's anticipated next top diplomat, Avigdor Lieberman, has raised some ire in the international community for his ultra-nationalist stances, which analysts say might have far-reaching consequences on Israel's relations with the rest of the world.

	March 20, 2009 Obama Sends Video Message to Iran President Barack Obama sent Iran and its citizens a video message Friday, saying the United States is prepared to end years of strained relations if Tehran tones down its rhetoric.

	March 19, 2009 Key Player: Gen. Ray Odierno, U.S. Commander in Iraq In September 2008, Gen. Ray Odierno assumed command of U.S. forces in Iraq, facing the challenge of reducing the number of troops in Iraq while maintaining hard-earned security gains.

	March 19, 2009 Iraq Faces Its Future as U.S. Plans Exit This week marks the six year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Over the next six months, the U.S. will start moving toward President Barack Obama's goal of ending combat operations there in 2010. So what challenges, obstacles lay ahead? Experts answered your questions.

	March 17, 2009 What Is Global Warming? The Earth maintains an average temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius -- temperatures that enable people, plants and animals to live safely within its atmosphere.

	March 17, 2009 Emissions Trading Ins and Outs Greenhouse gases harm the environment equally regardless of where they originate, so to slow climate change, it doesn't matter which region of the world cuts back on emissions as long as the global amount falls.

	March 10, 2009 Second Baghdad Bombing in 3 Days Leaves Dozens Dead A suicide bomber killed at least 33 people and wounded at least 20 Tuesday in a market on the western outskirts of Baghdad, in the second major attack in the city in three days.

	March 9, 2009 U.S. to Withdraw 12,000 Troops From Iraq The drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq is moving forward with the U.S. military announcing the reduction of 12,000 troops over the next six months as the next step toward the goal of ending combat operations by August 2010.

	March 9, 2009 Blurring the Boundaries of Jazz, Arabic Music In another in our series about the Kennedy Center's Arabesque art festival, Jeffrey Brown profiles Egyptian musician Fathy Salama, who began playing the piano at age 6 and performing at Cairo clubs at 13. One day listening to American radio, he heard jazz and instantly fell in love.

	March 6, 2009 Musician Salama Blends Jazz, Traditional Arab Style Musician Fathy Salama started playing piano in Cairo jazz clubs at age 13, and has since been recognized for his combinations of traditional Arab music and jazz, winning a 2005 Grammy award for his collaboration with Youssou N'Dour on the "Egypt" album. Salama discusses his music and participation in the Arabesque festival.

	March 2, 2009 Saudi Cabinet Reshuffle Signals Moderate Shift Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has selected several new, moderate leaders for the education, justice and health ministries, one of whom is the first woman to hold such a high post in the country.

	March 2, 2009 U.S. Pledges $900 Million in Aid to Palestinians In her first trip to the Middle East as the nation's top diplomat, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the U.S. will contribute $900 million in aid to efforts to help Palestinians rebuild.

	March 2, 2009 From Lebanon, Songs of Love and Strife In another in our series about the Kennedy Center's Arabesque art festival, Jeffrey Brown profiles Lebanese folk singer Marcel Khalife, who for nearly 40 years has been rousing audiences with songs about love and strife, politics and injustice.



	FEBRUARY Feb. 27, 2009 From Lebanon's Marcel Khalife, Songs of Strife and Love In another in our series about the Kennedy Center's Arabesque art festival, Jeffrey Brown profiles Lebanese folk singer Marcel Khalife, who for nearly 40 years has been rousing audiences with songs about love and strife, politics and injustice.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Newsmaker: Obama Outlines Goals for Afghanistan, Iraq After a major policy announcement that the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will end next year, President Obama spoke with Jim Lehrer about Iraq, Afghanistan and the challenges of his new office.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Tonight on the NewsHour: Marcel Khalife Friday on the NewsHour, Jeffrey Brown profiles Marcel Khalife, who for nearly 40 years has been rousing audiences with songs about love and strife.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Obama Pledges U.S. Combat Troops Will Leave Iraq by August 2010 Stating "I have come to speak to you about how the war in Iraq will end," President Barack Obama on Friday unveiled his strategy on the future for U.S. forces in the country, announcing that all combat troops will be withdrawn by September 2010.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Text: Obama's Speech to Troops at Camp Lejeune President Barack Obama said U.S. combat operations in Iraq will end by Aug. 31, 2010, but some troops would remain to support Iraqis. Following is the text of his speech, as prepared for delivery at Camp Lejeune Marine base in North Carolina.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Conversation: Museum of Islamic Art Sitting on its own small island in Doha, Qatar, on the Persian Gulf, the brand new Museum of Islamic Art contains one of the greatest collections of the religion's art and artifacts, including works from throughout the Arab world, Europe and Central Asia.

	Feb. 27, 2009 Artifacts from the Museum of Islamic Art The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, houses a collection of artwork dating from the 7th to 19th century, representing the full scope of Islamic art. It includes manuscripts, ceramics, wood and precious stones from three continents. The building was designed by Pritzker Prize laureate I.M. Pei.

	Feb. 26, 2009 Egyptian Women Weave Cairo's Traditions Into Their Art A multimedia artist, jewelry maker, and dancer from Egypt talk about their work and how they incorporate influences from their time in Cairo into their art forms. Jeffrey Brown continues his series on the Kennedy Center's Arabesque arts festival.

	Feb. 26, 2009 Tonight: Three Women Artists from Cairo A preview of Jeffrey Brown's report on three artists from Cairo with their own perspectives on the fascinating city he visited earlier this year: jewelry maker Azza Fahmy, conceptual artist Lara Baladi and dancer and choreographer Karima Mansour.

	Feb. 26, 2009 Excerpts: Obama Assesses Iraq Strategy, Challenges of New Presidency In excerpts of an exclusive interview, President Obama spoke with Jim Lehrer about the U.S. mission in Iraq and the challenges of his new presidency.

	Feb. 24, 2009 Kuwaiti Theater Director Finds Modern Inspiration in Shakespeare In the second of a series of reports on the Arabesque arts festival at the Kennedy Center, Jeffrey Brown talks to Kuwaiti writer and theater director Sulayman al-Bassam, whose company is presenting a Shakespeare play with a twist, "Richard III: An Arab Tragedy."

	Feb. 24, 2009 The al-Bassam Theatre Presents Richard III Kuwait's Al-Bassam Theatre is presenting "Richard III: An Arab Tragedy" at the Kennedy Center's Arabesque arts festival. Watch the final scene of Act I from the play, "The Murder of Clarence."

	Feb. 23, 2009 Arabesque Festival Brings Arab Arts to Kennedy Center An ambitious, three-week festival called "Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World" opens at the Kennedy Center in Washington Monday. Jeffrey Brown offers the first in a series of broadcast and online reports around the festival and the artists it is showcasing.

	Feb. 23, 2009 Iraq Reopens Part of Plundered National Museum The National Museum of Iraq partially reopened Monday, displaying artifacts thousands of years old, many of which had been stolen during the chaotic days just after the fall of Baghdad in 2003.

	Feb. 23, 2009 Arabesque and Us "Arabesque: Arts of the Arab World" is a three-week festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The festival is finally upon us, beginning Monday, and so is our series.

	Feb. 20, 2009 Netanyahu to Form Israel's Next Government Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the right-wing Likud party, on Friday accepted a mandate to form Israel's next government after recent parliamentary elections left the country in a political deadlock.

	Feb. 17, 2009 Renewed U.S.-Iran Talks May Hinge on 'Mutual Respect' The new Obama administration faces the difficult task of balancing between efforts to contain Iran's controversial nuclear program and the Islamic republic's central role in the Persian Gulf region. So what is the future of U.S.-Iranian relations? Experts answered your questions.

	Feb. 16, 2009 Three Decades After Revolution, Iran Remains Mystery Thirty years after the Islamic revolution in Iran, the country remains a complicated nation torn between its tradition and its future. NPR's Steve Inskeep discusses what he found on a reporting trip to the country.

	Feb. 13, 2009 Iraq Suicide Bombing Part of Effort to Stoke Sectarian Violence, Officials Say A suicide bomber detonated her explosives Friday among a crowd of mostly women and children on a Shiite religious pilgrimage in Iraq, killing at least 30 people and injuring scores more.

	Feb. 12, 2009 Iran Marks 30 Years Since Revolution Since its Islamic revolution 30 years ago, Iran has undergone numerous changes. Steve Inskeep, host of NPR's "Morning Edition," reported from the country on its economy, politics and social issues.

	Feb. 11, 2009 Israel Faces Political Deadlock Following Elections Tzipi Livni and Benjamin Netanyahu both claimed victory in Israel's parliamentary elections, with close vote totals throwing the prospects for building a ruling coalition into limbo. Analysts discuss the results and what they mean for the region's political future.

	Feb. 11, 2009 Israeli Election Results Split Between Rival Parties Tzipi Livni's centrist Kadima party and Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party both claimed victory in Israel's parliamentary elections Tuesday, complicating prospects of a coalition government.

	Feb. 10, 2009 On the 30th Anniversary of the Revolution, Iranian Leaders Mull the Future Political and religious leaders in Iran are dealing with vast changes in the country's society since the revolution 30 years ago, including President Obama's suggestion for dialogue. Lindsey Hilsum, of Independent Television News, reports.

	Feb. 9, 2009 Other News: Geithner Makes TARP Changes; 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner finalized a plan outlining changes to the TARP plan Congress passed last year, and four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq Monday in a suicide car bombing.

	Feb. 9, 2009 Khatami to Challenge Ahmadinejad in Iranian Presidential Election Former Iranian leader Mohammad Khatami, who lobbied for improved relations with the West while he was president, said Sunday he will challenge President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country's June 12 election.

	Feb. 9, 2009 Security Issues at Forefront of Israel's Elections Israeli parliamentary elections on Tuesday will decide the country's next prime minister. Mideast analyst Aaron David Miller describes the dynamics leading up to the vote in this audio interview.

	Feb. 5, 2009 Richter's Scale: Scoring 'Waltz With Bashir' It was not accidental that Ari Folman asked composer Max Richter to create a score for his film, "Waltz with Bashir." "I wrote the script...listening only to Max Richter's albums," explained Folman. For his work on the film, Richter was named Best European Composer of 2008 by the European Film Academy.

	Feb. 5, 2009 Iraqi Prime Minister's Party Posts Gains in Elections Preliminary results in Saturday's provincial elections in Iraq show Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Dawa party garnering the most votes in nine provinces, but falling short of operating without a coalition.

	Feb. 3, 2009 Iran Launches First 'Homegrown' Satellite Into Space Iran said Tuesday that it had launched its first domestically-produced satellite as part of Tehran's ongoing efforts to build a space program. The launch was timed to coincide with observances of the 30th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

	Feb. 2, 2009 Iraqi Provincial Elections Shed New Light on Country's Political Progress Saturday's provincial elections in Iraq went relatively smoothly with more than 7 million Iraqis -- roughly half of all voters -- participating. Analysts examine what the poll says about Iraq's political system and its readiness to govern when U.S. troops depart.

	Feb. 2, 2009 Gaza's Health Concerns After the Conflict Anne-Sophie Bonefeld of the International Committee of the Red Cross spoke with the Online NewsHour from Jerusalem about how the Gaza health system is coping since a cease-fire ended a burst of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas.



	JANUARY Jan. 30, 2009 Provincial Elections Present Next Test for Iraq In a vastly changed political climate, Iraqis will go to the polls Saturday for the first time since 2005 to vote on provincial councils in what is considered the next important test for the country's democratic process.

	Jan. 27, 2009 Obama Addresses Arab World in First Post-Inaugural Interview In his first extensive post-inaugural interview, President Obama assured Muslims that America was not an enemy. Hisham Melhem, Washington bureau chief of Al Arabiya, discusses the Middle East's reaction to the Al-Arabiya interview and Obama's challenges ahead in the region.

	Jan. 23, 2009 Inauguration Elicits Varied Sentiments in Middle East Reporting from Egypt, Lebanon and Kuwait during the transition to the new presidency, Jeffrey Brown spoke with locals about their reactions to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

	Jan. 23, 2009 Exploring Art of the Arab World Jeffrey Brown and NewsHour producer Mary Jo Brooks traveled to Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait to interview some of the artists participating in the Kennedy Center's "Arabesque" exhibition from Feb. 23 to March 15. A series of NewsHour reports explores these Arab countries' varied cultures.

	Jan. 22, 2009 Mitchell, Holbrooke Named as Diplomatic Envoys Hours after ordering the closure of the Guantanamo prison within a year, President Barack Obama Thursday named veteran troubleshooters as special envoys to the Middle East and Afghanistan as he moves to repair America's tarnished image abroad.

	Jan. 22, 2009 Scenes From a Mideast Trip Jeffrey Brown reports on the sights and sounds from his Middle East trip.

	Jan. 22, 2009 Robert Frank: An Outsider Looking In News from Gaza on every television. One man said to me: "I feel as though I've seen every one of the 1,200 bodies of those killed." And on every tongue: expressions of outrage, helplessness, sadness.

	Jan. 21, 2009 In First Meeting With Military, Obama Outlines Goals for Action in Iraq President Obama met with top military officials to discuss the status of Iraq and his administration's plans to withdraw combat troops from Iraq by May 2010. Retired Army generals discuss the feasibility of his plan.

	Jan. 19, 2009 Gaza Cease-fire Emerged Amid Mix of Political, Internal Pressures Israeli officials said their military has been ordered to pull out of the Gaza Strip by Tuesday, but only if Hamas militants keep their end of the weekend's cease-fire agreement. Analysts examine where both sides stand after three weeks of fighting.

	Jan. 19, 2009 Israel Pulls Out of Gaza Strip as Barack Obama Assumes the Presidency Israeli officials said the military has been ordered to pull out of the Gaza Strip by Tuesday, the day of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, but only if Hamas militants keep their end of the cease-fire agreement.

	Jan. 15, 2009 As Israeli Attacks Intensify, Shell Strikes U.N. Compound in Gaza In an effort to increase pressure on Hamas, Israel has intensified its air attacks and its troops have pushed further into the most crowded neighborhoods of the Gaza Strip as cease-fire talks move closer to a resolution.

	Jan. 14, 2009 As Attacks Continue, Diplomats Attempt to Negotiate Gaza Cease-fire Talks continued in Cairo over a cease-fire to halt the fighting between Hamas and Israel entering its 18th day as human rights groups call for more humanitarian aid to civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip.

	Jan. 13, 2009 Marcel Khalife...Don't Call Him Bob Dylan Marcel Khalife is often described in articles as the "Bob Dylan of the Middle East." He is a master of the oud (lute), a singer, composer and one of the leading musical figures in the region.

	Jan. 12, 2009 Gaza Conflict Reverberates on Beirut Streets Beirut, once known as the Paris of the Middle East, has more recently seen decades of civil war and conflict -- and the growing power of Hezbollah as a political party. Jeffrey Brown reports from the Lebanese capital on reaction to the Gaza conflict there.

	Jan. 12, 2009 Hezbollah by Day, Dunkin' Donuts by Night Correspondent Jeffrey Brown initially traveled to the Middle East to report on artists and writers in the region. What he found instead was war, as talk of the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is everywhere.

	Jan. 12, 2009 Israel Closes In on Heavily Populated Gaza City Israel said reserve forces joined the ground offensive against the Gaza Strip on Monday in what may be the next phase of a continuing Israeli offensive on Hamas as it advances on targets in heavily-populated urban areas like Gaza City.

	Jan. 9, 2009 Humanitarian Concerns Mount in Gaza as U.N. Calls for Cease-fire As fighting continued in Gaza Friday, U.N. officials said they would resume their aid shipments to Palestinians after receiving assurances from the Israel that aid workers would be better protected. U.N. and Israeli officials give their views on the situation.

	Jan. 8, 2009 Creative Director Charlotte Noruzi Discusses 'Urban Iran' "Urban Iran documents how ... much of the world views Iran, but also how this gaze impacts how Iranians see themselves" says Mark Batty Publisher, who released the book. "Charlotte Noruzi's personal stories about the effects of her childhood books remain with her today, resulting in her exploration of ... Iran."

	Jan. 8, 2009 Gaza Cease-fire Talks Start; U.N. Suspends Aid Deliveries Israel, Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have entered talks with Egypt on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the United Nations has suspended aid deliveries after a driver was killed by Israeli forces.

	Jan. 8, 2009 'Urban Iran' Helps Lift the Veil "What we are experiencing now is a re-emergence of art in Iran," writes photographer Sina Araghi in "Urban Iran," a collection of essays, photography, art and illustrations from Iranian artists in Tehran and abroad.

	Jan. 7, 2009 Fighting in Gaza Resumes After 3-hour Truce After the expiration of a three-hour truce Wednesday to allow in humanitarian aid, fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian gunmen resumed in the city of Gaza.

	Jan. 6, 2009 U.S. Intensifies Push for Cease-fire in Gaza President-elect Barack Obama has said that the Middle East will be a top foreign policy priority, but the task of negotiating a cease-fire to the current burst of Gaza fighting still falls to the Bush administration. Analysts examine the U.S. role in Mideast peace talks.

	Jan. 6, 2009 Death Toll Climbs in Israeli Strike Near U.N. School An Israeli artillery strike near a U.N.-run school in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians had sought refuge, killed at least 30 people on Tuesday, a U.N. official said, and stirred new concerns over civilian deaths in the conflict.

	Jan. 5, 2009 Israeli Troops Backed by Airstrikes Move Deeper Into Gaza Israeli forces continued their military campaign in the Gaza Strip Monday as international calls for a cease-fire intensified. Foreign policy analysts mull the latest developments in the fighting.

	Jan. 5, 2009 Israeli Forces Continue Push Into Gaza Israeli tanks, planes and ground forces pounded Gaza on Monday, seizing buildings on the outskirts of Gaza City, even as world leaders headed for the region to press for a truce.

	Jan. 2, 2009 Art Beat Previews of Next Week and a Mideast Trip We continue to receive many wonderful comments and responses to specific stories and to the entire Art Beat effort. But the news is not always good. This week the Seattle Times' Sheila Farr sent me a link to her final story as art critic for the newspaper.

	Jan. 2, 2009 Israel Strikes Hamas Targets as Fighting Continues in Gaza Fighting continued for a seventh day between Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip Friday, as Israel bombed a mosque it said was used to store weapons and targeted strikes on the homes of top Hamas leaders.

	Jan. 1, 2009 Israel Considers Ground Attack as Conflict Escalates Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed senior Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan as the Israeli government said it was ready to begin operations towards a ground invasion. New York Times reporter Ethan Bronner discusses the conflict.