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| 2012 MAY
May 23, 2012
Iranian Nuclear Talks: Are Expectations Seriously Mismatched?
Claiming its uranium enrichment is only for peaceful purposes, Iran made a counter-offer Wednesday to a proposal by the U.S. and other countries meant to curb production. Margaret Warner discusses the latest negotiations with former Iranian diplomat Seyed Hossein Mousavian and the Brookings Institution's Suzanne Maloney.
   
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| May 23, 2012
Iran Holds New Talks Over Curbing Nuclear Program
Hoping to rein in Iran's uranium enrichment and prevent the production of nuclear weapons, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany presented a proposal Wednesday that included unspecified "confidence-building" measures, according to State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. Margaret Warner reports.
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| May 22, 2012
News Wrap: U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Crocker Stepping Down
In other news Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker is stepping down this summer from his post a year early for health reasons. Also, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency are close to allowing inspections of key Iranian sites, according to U.N. nuclear agency chief Yukiya Amano.
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| May 21, 2012
News Wrap: Suicide Bomb Kills Dozens in Yemen's Capital
In other news Monday, a powerful suicide bomb exploded in the capital of Yemen, killing at least 96 soldiers and wounding more than 200. Also, the ongoing violence in Syria again has spilled over to neighboring Lebanon.
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| May 10, 2012
U.N.'s Syria Cease-Fire Plan: The 'Least-Worst Option'?
Suicide bombers struck Thursday in the heart of Syria's capital of Damascus, killing at least 55 people and wounding at least 370. Jeffrey Brown and NPR's Kelly McEvers, reporting from Beirut, discuss the finger pointing over who's behind the attacks and the state of plans to stop the country's ongoing fighting.
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| May 10, 2012
Syria Suffers Deadliest Attack Since Uprising Began
Twin bombings tore through the Syrian capital of Damascus Thursday, in the deadliest attacks since the uprising began last year -- killing at least 55 people and wounding more than 370, according to state media. There were claims and counterclaims about the blame for the attacks. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| May 9, 2012
How Unusual Was al-Qaida Infiltration Effort That Stopped Bomb Plot?
A would-be bomber who was supposed to blow up a U.S.-bound airliner turned out to be a Saudi who had infiltrated al-Qaida's Yemen-based branch. Jeffrey Brown, NPR's Dina Temple Raston and security consultant Philip Mudd discuss what details are known about the operation and how it compares with other counterterrorism efforts.
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| May 9, 2012
Undercover Saudi Agent Reportedly Foiled al-Qaida Airliner Bomb Plot
The would-be terrorist targeting a U.S.-bound plane was in fact an undercover agent from Saudi Arabia who had infiltrated al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. He was supposed to slip past airport security wearing a sophisticated bomb in his underwear, but he delivered the device into Saudi and U.S. hands. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| May 9, 2012
Lalla Essaydi Challenges Muslim, Gender Stereotypes at Museum of African Art
Known for her large format photographs, Lalla Essaydi's work combines Islamic calligraphy and representations of the female body, focusing on the interconnection of faith, culture and gender and challenging notions within all three.
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| May 8, 2012
Al-Qaida Bomb Plot: How Alarmed Should U.S. Be?
A day after news broke that the CIA foiled a new al-Qaida plot to bomb an airliner, the official responses were low key on Tuesday. Margaret Warner, former National Counterterrorism Center director Michael Leiter and former FBI supervisory special agent Ali Soufan assess the current reach of the terror network.
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| May 8, 2012
In Light of New Bomb Plot, U.S. Must Be 'Proactive,' Napolitano Says
"Our adversaries are very creative, and they are very determined, and they are very persistent," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Tuesday in the wake of the CIA thwarting another al-Qaida plot to attack an airliner. The FBI is now studying the explosive device. Gwen Ifill has the latest.
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| May 8, 2012
Latest Bomb Plot Shows al-Qaida Affiliate Making 'Inroads'
Although the latest attempt to take down an aircraft using a bomb hidden in underwear failed, the plot still shows al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is making "big inroads" as the most active affiliate of the terrorist network, said Michael Leiter, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center.
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| May 8, 2012
Norway's Moms Have It Good
Norway is the best country in the world to be a mother, according to a new report from the international nonprofit Save the Children.
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| May 3, 2012
News Wrap: Bin Laden Documents Reveal Planned Attacks on Obama, Petraeus
In other news Thursday, some documents seized in last year's raid on Osama bin Laden's Pakistani compound were released, revealing plans to carry out attacks on high-profile American targets, such as President Obama and Gen. David Petraeus. In Syria, security forces killed four students and wounded dozens more in a campus raid.
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| APRIL
April 30, 2012
News Wrap: Indian Ferry Disaster Kills at Least 100
In other news Monday, more than 100 people were killed in a ferry disaster in northeastern India. Police said 150 others were rescued or swam to safety while up to 100 more were missing. Also, at least nine people were killed as a pair of car bombings rocked the Syrian city of Idlib.
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| April 20, 2012
The Daily Frame
As soldiers look on, a woman paints a mural near a prayer site in central Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday.
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| April 19, 2012
As Syria Flouts Cease-Fire, Ban Pushes to Send 300 Military Observers
Government guns blasted away in the Syrian city of Homs Thursday, oblivious to a U.N. cease-fire. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon proposed sending as many as 300 military observers to Syria while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a new U.N. resolution including an arms embargo. Judy Woodruff reports.
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| April 18, 2012
News Wrap: Attacks Escalate in Syria Despite Cease-fire
In other news Wednesday, the Syrian military escalated attacks on rebel areas despite government claims that it's adhering to a cease-fire. The attacks drew a rebuke from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Also, at least 22 soldiers died in growing border fighting between Sudan and South Sudan in East Africa.
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| April 12, 2012
In Syria, 'Much Skepticism' as Assad's Guns Fall Mostly Silent
As the shelling seemed to soften on the streets of Syria in time for Thursday's cease-fire deadline, Russia and China joined the United States in urging the speedy dispatch of U.N. observers, assuming the truce holds. Margaret Warner updates the crisis with Time Magazine's Rania Abouzeid, reporting from Beirut.
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| April 12, 2012
Syria Calmer Amid Annan's Cease-Fire Deadline
After months of heavy fighting and government gunfire, Syria appears "relatively quiet," according to U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan. Annan had brokered the U.N.-backed cease-fire agreement that went into effect early Thursday. Neil Connery of Independent Television News reports.
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| April 10, 2012
News Wrap: Annan Says Syria Not Making Good on Cease-Fire Promises
In other news Tuesday, the Syrian government claimed that its army is pulling back from towns and villages as part of a United Nations-brokered cease-fire plan. However, rebels reported shells were still falling across the country. Also, at least 16 people were killed by suicide bombers in western Afghanistan.
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| April 9, 2012
Syria's Cross-Border Violence May Be No Accident
As Kofi Annan's peace plan for Syria falls apart, the Syrian army fired into a Turkish refugee camp Monday, escalating conflict and wounding at least five people. Also, in Lebanon, a cameraman was reportedly shot and killed by Syrian soldiers. Borzou Daragahi of the Financial Times gives Jeffrey Brown an update from Beirut.
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| April 9, 2012
Syrian Violence Spills Over Border Into Turkey, Lebanon
Syria's conflict spilled across the border into Turkey and Lebanon Monday, with gunfire killing a Lebanese cameraman and injuring several people in a Turkish refugee camp. Alex Thomson of Independent Television News reports how government assaults are further diminishing hopes of a cease-fire on the eve of a deadline.
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| April 6, 2012
News Wrap: Syrian Forces Assault Homs, Rastan Ahead of Cease-Fire Deadline
In other news Friday, Syrian forces assaulted rebellious Homs and Rastan despite a looming cease-fire deadline. Around the world, Christians marked Good Friday with observances ranging from services to re-enactments of the Crucifixion of Jesus. Also, a U.S. Navy fighter plane crash in Virginia Beach, Va., is under investigation.
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| April 5, 2012
In Syria, Shells Rain Down Days Before Cease-Fire Deadline
Syrian activists dubbed Thursday's government assault on the Damascus suburb of Douma as one of the fiercest yet. But regime officials insist troop withdrawals have begun from the provinces of Daraa and Idlib, and peace envoy Kofi Annan said he expects the shooting to stop by April 12. Judy Woodruff updates the crisis.
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| April 4, 2012
Jihadi Chat Rooms Say C U L8R
For jihadis, online chat rooms are the font from which they can receive messages directly from al-Qaida leaders in Yemen, North Africa, Iraq and elsewhere. But on March 23, a few of the top jihadi chat forums went dark, and no one has claimed responsibility.
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| April 2, 2012
Syria Analyst: 'We're in for a Long, Protracted Struggle'
Met with heavy skepticism by U.S. officials, Syria's government signaled Monday plans to stop fighting by next week, according to Arab League envoy Kofi Annan. Judy Woodruff, the University of Oklahoma's Joshua Landis and Al Arabiya News Network's Hisham Melhem discuss the possibility of peace in Syria.
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| April 2, 2012
Annan Says Syria Agrees to April 10 Deadline
Judy Woodruff recaps the latest diplomatic and military developments related to Syria as renewed bombardment was reported in Homs, the Friends of Syria met in Istanbul and Special Envoy Kofi Annan told the the U.N. Security Council that the Assad government agreed to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from towns by April 10.
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| MARCH
March 29, 2012
For Arab League, Syria Remains a 'Pretty Sectarian Issue'
President Bashar al-Assad said Thursday that Syria "will spare no effort" to make the peace plan proposed by former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan "a success," but said rebels must first cease their "terrorist acts." Margaret Warner and NPR's Kelly McEvers discuss the Syria debate at the Arab League summit in Baghdad.
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| March 29, 2012
Syria's Assad Demands Rebels Cease 'Terrorist Acts'
Arab League leaders gathered in Baghdad for the first time in decades Thursday to attend a summit where U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to translate his commitments to peace into action. Margaret Warner reports and GlobalPost's James Foley recounts the fighting in Saraqeb.
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| March 28, 2012
Will Israel Bomb Iran? Probable Outcomes of a Possible War
Israeli leaders say time is running short for diplomatic and non-military responses to Iran's nuclear program. Margaret Warner asks experts and journalists how an Israeli military strike against Iran might be carried out and what the repercussions could be.
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| March 27, 2012
Syria Analyst: Annan's Peace Plan Treats Symptoms, Not Disease
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad toured the besieged city of Homs Tuesday, as reports suggested the government had accepted Kofi Annan's peace plan. Judy Woodruff discusses the latest developments with journalist Andrew Tabler, author of "In the Lion's Den," who lived in Syria for most of the last decade.
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| March 27, 2012
Syria Reportedly Accepts Annan's Peace Plan as Death Toll Hits 9,000
Reports from Syria Tuesday suggested a possible breakthrough -- that President Bashar al-Assad had accepted Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan amid new estimates by the U.N. that the death toll in the uprising had reached 9,000. John Ray of Independent Television News reports.
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| March 23, 2012
News Wrap: Obama Calls Trayvon Martin Killing a 'Tragedy'
In other news Friday, President Obama said the shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager in Florida who was killed last month by a neighborhood watch volunteer, was a tragedy that struck a chord with him personally. Also, Mr. Obama unveiled his nominee to head the World Bank, Dartmouth College president Jim Yong Kim.
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| March 23, 2012
Syrian-Americans: Assad 'Will Not Be Stopped With Diplomacy'
A year after the start of the Syrian revolution, relatives and supporters of those rising against the regime are still trying to convince lawmakers and the administration to do something to help.
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| March 22, 2012
The Daily Frame
Visitors walk past a sculpture made of plastic soldiers by Syrian artist Thaier Helal on display at the Art Dubai exhibition on Wednesday.
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| March 21, 2012
News Wrap: U.N. Security Council Backs Annan Plan to End Syrian Conflict
In other news Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council urged both sides in Syria to seek a way forward, endorsing proposals by Special Envoy Kofi Annan -- including a ceasefire, guaranteed humanitarian access and withdrawals of government forces. Also, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush endorsed GOP hopeful Mitt Romney.
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| March 20, 2012
News Wrap: Iraq Attacks Kill at Least 46
In other news Tuesday, insurgents in Iraq killed at least 46 people in a wave of attacks across the country aimed at Shiite pilgrims and police. Also, Syrian rebel forces abandoned the city of Deir Al-Zour in the face of government tanks.
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| March 19, 2012
News Wrap: Apple Will Pay Dividends; Romney Targets Obama in Ill.
In other news Monday, Mitt Romney centered his attacks on President Obama in Springfield, Ill. The economy is improving, he said, but current policies have prevented a stronger comeback. Also, Apple, the world's most valuable company, announced it will pay out dividends of roughly $10 per share over one year.
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| March 15, 2012
News Wrap: Pro-Assad Rally Marks Anniversary of Syria's Uprising
In other news Thursday, large crowds rallied in Syria's capital on the first anniversary of the country's uprising in a show of support for President Assad's government. Also, the U.S. Agriculture Department will let schools opt out of using a ground beef filler dubbed "pink slime" by its critics.
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| March 15, 2012
Syrian Opposition Leaders Break Up, No Chance of Make-Up
Breaking up may be hard to do, but the folks who run the Syrian National Council appear to be getting better with practice.
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| March 14, 2012
News Wrap: Va. Tech Found Negligent in Killings; Iranian President Grilled
In other news Wednesday, a jury found Virginia Tech negligent in the campus massacre five years ago, and said school officials failed to issue swift alerts that might have saved lives. Also, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faced an unprecedented grilling by lawmakers, accusing him of mismanaging the economy.
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| March 12, 2012
Inside the Free Syrian Army
One year into his brutal crackdown, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faces an armed insurgency by rebel fighters of the Free Syrian Army, including some defectors from his own regime. In a rare glimpse inside the opposition, GlobalPost reporters Hugh Macleod and Annasofie Flamand spoke with fighters in northern Lebanon.
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| March 12, 2012
News Wrap: U.N. Security Council Still in Stalemate Over Syria
In other news, the carnage of Syria grew more brutal as government troops recaptured parts of the city of Homs. Also, Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed five Palestinians over the weekend while Islamic Jihad militants kept rockets flying into southern Israel.
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| March 12, 2012
Arab Awakening
Protests across North Africa and the Middle East gained steam after revolts toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt in early 2011. Track all of the unrest in our interactive timeline.
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| March 8, 2012
International Women's Day 2012: Recognizing Progress, Voicing Support
On this International Women's Day, view a slideshow of events held around the world, including a soccer tournament in Costa Rica, a fashion show in Iraq and a candlelight vigil in Pakistan.
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| March 8, 2012
Activist: Amid Executions and Torture, Syrians OK With Risks of No-Fly Zone
Syria's deputy oil minister appeared to defect from President Assad's regime in an online video Thursday, calling the opposition "the voice of righteousness." Ray Suarez, Syrian activist Danny Abdul Dayem and the International Crisis Group's Robert Malley discuss the hurdles of bringing aid to the country's rebels and civilians.
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| March 8, 2012
Syrian Deputy Minister Joins Opposition, Leaves 'Sinking Ship' Regime
Visiting Damascus on Wednesday, U.N. humanitarian official Valerie Amos said she was concerned for the Syrian people who once lived in the Baba Amr section of Homs, noting "significant" devastation. Ray Suarez reports on defections from Syria's regime as it continues its bid to repress the uprising.
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| March 8, 2012
Celebrating Women in 2012
International Women's Day 2012 was spent playing soccer, holding candlelight vigils and hosting fashion shows around the world.
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| March 7, 2012
Iran: Can Diplomacy Prevail Over Military Action?
President Obama said Tuesday he still hopes Iran's nuclear threat could be resolved diplomatically. Jeffrey Brown explores potential diplomatic solutions to growing tensions between the U.S., Iran and Israel with the Brookings Institution's Suzanne Maloney and The Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Mehdi Khalaji.
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| March 7, 2012
As Tensions Grow Between Iran, Israel, U.S., a Turn to Diplomacy
Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday that plans for talks about its nuclear program were progressing at a meeting in Vienna -- a sign of confidence prompted after the U.S., France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China agreed to Iran's offer of a diplomatic initiative. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| March 6, 2012
News Wrap: Obama Tackles Iran, Campaign Issues in Super Tuesday News Conference
In other news Tuesday, President Obama called out his GOP opponents in a White House news conference and attacked their views on foreign policy. Hours before he spoke, Iran agreed to let U.N. nuclear inspectors visit a military site. Also, eight women are suing the U.S. military, alleging that they were assaulted while serving.
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| March 6, 2012
While Iran Dominates the Headlines, Palestinian Issue Is Big Topic at AIPAC
The major storyline coming out of this week's AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C., was the possibility of war with Iran. But in the much smaller breakout sessions, seminars and panel discussions, there was far more talk about Palestinians and the all-but-dead peace process.
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| March 5, 2012
News Wrap: Refugees Flee Syria for Lebanon as Crackdown Extends
In other news Monday, the flow of Syrian refugees into Lebanon accelerated with the U.N. refugee agency estimating as many as 2,000 Syrians fled the region around Homs over the weekend. In Yemen, at least 107 soldiers died in heavy fighting against al-Qaida fighters in the South over the weekend, according to military officials.
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| March 5, 2012
As U.S., Israel Navigate Tensions Over Iran, Are 'All Options on the Table?'
President Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed some areas of disagreement Monday over potential solutions to an Iranian nuclear threat, disputing whether diplomacy or military action would be a better move. Gwen Ifill and guests discuss how the leaders are dealing with their differences.
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| March 5, 2012
Obama, Netanyahu Show Unity, Yet Signal Differences, Over Iran Strategy
President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Monday at the White House to discuss possible solutions to threats from Iran's nuclear program, pledging unity but signalling tension over how to proceed. Gwen Ifill reports.
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| March 5, 2012
Reading the Tea Leaves at Obama and Netanyahu's Meetings
President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meetings this week were interesting to regional watchers as much as for what they didn't say as what they did.
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| March 2, 2012
Turkish Ambassador: Arming Syrian Rebels 'Easier Said Than Done'
Leaders of the opposition Syrian National Council met Friday with the Turkish foreign minister in Istanbul to call for opening a military bureau in Turkey to coordinate the resistance in Syria. Ray Suarez and Namik Tan, Turkey's ambassador to the United States, discuss Turkey's toughening stance against its longtime ally.
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| March 2, 2012
Homs Residents 'Planning Their Last Minutes' Amid 'Systematic Slaughter'
Saying the city had been "cleansed," the Syrian government prohibited the Red Cross from delivering critical food and medical supplies Friday to the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs. John Irvine of Independent Television News reports.
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| March 2, 2012
News Wrap: Yemen Protesters Demand Military Be Restructured
In other news Friday, crowds turned out for protests in 18 of Yemen's 21 provinces calling for officers loyal to the country's ousted leader be purged from the armed forces. In Iran, voters cast ballots in a parliamentary election that's expected to reinforce the rule of Islamic hardliners.
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| March 1, 2012
Leading Activist: Free Syrian Army Needs Weapons to Defend Citizens
As rebels announced their withdrawal from Homs Thursday, Haitham Maleh, a judge and member of the Syrian National Council, said the country's opposition is united and the rebel Free Syrian Army needs weapons to defend residents. Also, Ray Suarez speaks with Time Magazine's Rania Abouzeid about Syria's humanitarian situation.
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| March 1, 2012
Syrian Rebels Pull Back From Besieged City of Homs
After enduring weeks of shelling, rebels fighting the Syrian military in the besieged city of Homs said they were pulling back Thursday, retreating from the heavily damaged Baba Amr district. Jonathan Rugman of Independent Television New reports.
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| March 1, 2012
In Syria, Aid Groups Look for Breaks in Fighting to Deliver Supplies
As the International Committee of the Red Cross' appeal for a daily two-hour ceasefire in the most volatile parts of Syria goes unanswered, the local volunteers and staff of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent continue to try to bring much-needed supplies to the bombarded areas.
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| FEBRUARY
Feb. 27, 2012
News Wrap: Ousted Yemeni President Saleh to Seek Exile in Ethiopia
In other news Monday, Syria's opposition reported as many as 138 deaths as new protests surfaced against the regime. The Syrian Red Crescent reached the besieged city of Homs and evacuated three people. Also, ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh will leave Yemen within two days to go into exile in Ethiopia.
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| Feb. 24, 2012
What Can 'Friends of Syria' Do to Help Halt Killings?
As officials from more than 60 nations on Friday called on Syria's government to stop killings, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed that if the regime refused the delivery of humanitarian supplies, "it will have even more blood on its hands." Jeffrey Brown and guests discuss what can be done to halt further bloodshed.
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| Feb. 24, 2012
In Tunisia, 'Friends of Syria' Call for Ceasefire, Assad to Step Down
Officials from more than 60 nations met Friday, calling on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down and for the government to stop killing its people. That would allow humanitarian supplies to be delivered and evacuations to begin in Homs, which has seen heavy fighting. Carl Dinnen of Independent Television News reports.
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| Feb. 24, 2012
Author and Activist Elie Wiesel: Syria Is 'a Bloody Center of History'
As Western and Arab leaders met in Tunisia on Friday to discuss how to handle the Syrian regime's violent crackdown on protesters, the NewsHour spoke to Nobel Peace Prize winner, writer and human rights activist Elie Wiesel about his thoughts on Syria.
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| Feb. 23, 2012
Who Was Behind Latest Coordinated Attacks Across Iraq?
A spree of shootings and deadly explosions across Iraq killed at least 55 people and wounded more than 225 Thursday. The Interior Ministry and a member of the Baghdad City Council blamed al-Qaida. Jeffrey Brown discusses the implications amid Iraq's shifting political structure with Jane Arraf of Al Jazeera English.
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| Feb. 23, 2012
Bombings Across Iraq Kill at Least 55, Wound More Than 225
A wave of coordinated shootings and deadly explosions unfolded across Iraq Thursday, killing at least 55 people and wounding more than 225. The U.S. State Department condemned the violence as a "desperate attempt by terror groups" to invoke fear as Iraq tries to stabilize politically. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| Feb. 23, 2012
News Wrap: Obama Apologizes for Quran Burnings on U.S. Base
In other news Thursday, riots broke out across Afghanistan for a third day over Quran burnings at a U.S. air base, and President Obama offered his "sincere apologies" in a letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Also, Army Pvt. Bradley Manning was arraigned in a Maryland military court on charges that he leaked documents.
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| Feb. 22, 2012
In Syrian City, 'There Aren't Enough Coffins'
As Syria's government intensified its assault on the city of Homs Wednesday, activists said more than 70 people had been killed -- including an American reporter working for the British Sunday Times and a French photojournalist. Tim Ewart and Jonathan Miller of Independent Television News report.
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| Feb. 22, 2012
Will Quran-Burning Investigation Quell Anger in Afghanistan?
Hundreds of protesters voiced their anger at NATO and American forces Wednesday in Afghanistan after some U.S. troops were seen putting Qurans in a burn pit for trash. Jeffrey Brown and Heidi Vogt of The Associated Press in Kabul discuss the spreading anger and the implications for U.S.-Afghan relations.
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| Feb. 22, 2012
Clashes Over Quran Burnings at U.S. Base in Afghanistan Turn Deadly
At least seven people died in a second day of protests after Afghan workers at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan saw American troops put Qurans from a nearby prison into a burn pit for trash late Monday. Although the U.S. issued an apology, protests continued to spread across the country. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| Feb. 22, 2012
Marie Colvin, 'Fearless' War Reporter, Killed in Syria Shelling
War correspondent Marie Colvin traveled to the most dangerous places on Earth to bear witness to the worst of man's inhumanity. Colvin was killed in Homes, Syria, on Wednesday when the house she was staying in was shelled by government forces.
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| Feb. 21, 2012
What Yemen's Presidential Vote Means for U.S. Interests, Yemeni Daily Life
Citizens of Yemen went to the polls Tuesday to mark their vote on a presidential ballot that had only one name on it, that of current Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Hadi succeeds President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who's 33-years of authoritarian rule ended amid violent protests last year.
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| Feb. 20, 2012
Red Cross Seeks Cease-Fire to Deliver Medical Supplies in Syria
As Syrian government forces continued to fight anti-government forces in Homs, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it is seeking a two-hour cease-fire to deliver medical supplies and aid to civilians. Margaret Warner discusses the difficulties of delivering humanitarian aid with InterAction's Joel Charny.
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| Feb. 20, 2012
Food and Water Scarce in Embattled Syrian City of Homs
The Syrian Army sent more tanks to the embattled city of Homs, the heart of the anti-government uprising. Residents there are suffering from a lack of food, water and medical supplies. Jonathan Rugman of Independent Television News reports.
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| Feb. 17, 2012
Anthony Shadid Remembered for 'Great Brilliance About War Reporting'
A gifted Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent and a regular on the NewsHour, Anthony Shadid's reporting took him from one conflict zone to the next -- from Egypt to Libya and Syria, where he died Thursday of a severe asthma attack while covering the Assad government's violent crackdown. He was 43. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| Feb. 17, 2012
Could U.S. Accept Iran Having Some Nuclear Technology?
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the world's major powers are reviewing a formal response to a letter from Iran suggesting serious interest in talks about the country's nuclear program. Ray Suarez discusses the possibility of talks with the Council on Foreign Relations' Ray Takeyh and Flynt Leverett of RaceforIran.com.
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| Feb. 17, 2012
Reporter Anthony Shadid Brought Intimate Look to Mideast Struggles
The death of New York Times foreign correspondent Anthony Shadid has been followed by an outpouring of praise for the talented and humble reporter, who passed away Thursday from an asthma attack while covering the unrest in Syria. Over the years, Shadid made numerous appearances on the NewsHour. Here are some highlights.
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| Feb. 16, 2012
News Wrap: U.S. Officials Warn Iran Might Blockade Strait of Hormuz if Attacked
In other news Thursday, top U.S. officials offered new assessments of Iran's nuclear program, a day after the country claimed major new achievements in producing its own nuclear fuel. Also, claims and counter-claims were plentiful over possible peace talks involving the United States, the Afghan government and the Taliban.
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| Feb. 16, 2012
Would U.S. or Other Nation Lead Effort to Topple Syrian Regime?
The United Nations issued a non-binding resolution Thursday calling for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down after Russia and China vetoed an earlier Security Council measure. Ray Suarez discusses diplomatic options over Syria with The Wall Street Journal's Joe Lauria and Hisham Melhem of the Al Arabiya News Network.
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| Feb. 16, 2012
U.N. Calls for End to Syrian Crackdown, Assad to Step Down
While killings continue in Syria, the United Nations demanded change Thursday with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon accusing the government of "crimes against humanity." Also, a non-binding General Assembly resolution called for President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Jonathan Rugman of Independent Television News reports.
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| Feb. 13, 2012
News Wrap: NATO Says Afghanistan Airstrike May Have Mistakenly Killed 8 Boys
In other news Monday, Syrian rebels pushed back against government tanks in the town of Rastan as the uprising moved toward open warfare. In Afghanistan, NATO acknowledged an airstrike may have accidentally killed eight boys last week.
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| Feb. 10, 2012
Siege of Homs Grinds On: 'There Is a Sniper at the End of Our Street'
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's army continues to blast away at the city of Homs and on Thursday we spoke with someone living in the middle of the conflict.
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| Feb. 8, 2012
Inside Homs, 'The Blood Is on the Floor'
Reports from the besieged Syrian city of Homs paint a dire picture. On Tuesday, the NewsHour spoke with activist Sami Ibrahim, who was there, about the frightening increase in violence.
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| Feb. 7, 2012
Assad Running out of Friends, but China, Russia Still Among Allies
As violence continued Tuesday in Homs, Syria, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov visited with top Syrian leaders in Damascus. Ray Suarez discusses Syria's ongoing bloodshed and President Assad's remaining allies with Rania Abouzeid of Time Magazine.
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| Feb. 7, 2012
After Russia's Veto at U.N., Foreign Minister Gets Hero's Welcome in Syria
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov visited Tuesday with top Syrian leaders in Damascus as the Assad regime's crackdown on opposition intensified. Jonathan Miller of Independent Television News reports.
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| Feb. 7, 2012
News Wrap: Iran Calls U.S. Sanctions on Central Bank 'Psychological War'
In other news Tuesday, Iran dismissed U.S. sanctions against the country's central bank. A spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry equated the move to "psychological war," and said Iran would not give up its nuclear program. In Iraq, ministers from a Sunni-backed bloc ended their boycott of the Cabinet and returned to work.
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| Feb. 6, 2012
News Wrap: Obama Orders New Sanctions on Iran's Government, Central Bank
In other news Monday, President Obama imposed new sanctions on Iran and its central bank to increase pressure on the country's regime over its nuclear program. Also, a deep freeze paralyzed much of Eastern Europe for another day. The cold wave is more than a week old with no immediate end in sight.
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| Feb. 6, 2012
Syrian Instability: How Would Rest of World Respond?
Citing security woes amid Syria's escalating crackdown, American and British diplomats have left Damascus. Ray Suarez discusses other countries' diplomatic and military options and the mounting pressure on Assad's regime with the University of Oklahoma's Joshua Landis and Steven Heydemann of the United States Institute of Peace.
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| Feb. 6, 2012
U.S. Closes Embassy in Syria as Assad Regime Feels 'Noose Tightening'
As a new surge of killings erupted Monday in Homs, Syria, the United States shuttered its embassy in Damascus, citing security problems. British Foreign Secretary William Hague also dialed back relations with what he called a "doomed" and "murdering" regime. Ray Suarez reports.
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| Feb. 3, 2012
How Will Iran's Threats Affect U.S.-Israeli Ties?
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a warning at a security conference Thursday that time is running out, and dealing with a nuclear Iran would be more complicated and costly than attempting to stop one. Ray Suarez and guests discuss the potential of a unilateral Israeli strike and a U.S. response to Israeli action.
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| Feb. 3, 2012
Iran's Supreme Leader: 'Real War' Would Be More Harmful to U.S.
With rising talk of war, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rallied his public Friday in prayers broadcast on state television -- warning the U.S. against any military strike or oil embargo and calling Israel "a cancerous tumor that should and will be cut." Ray Suarez reports.
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| JANUARY
Jan. 31, 2012
Rice on Syria Proposal: U.S. Seeks 'Unified Decision' in Security Council
The 15-nation United Nations Security Council drafted an Arab League proposal Tuesday, calling for an end to the Syrian government's crackdown on the opposition and requiring President Bahar al-Assad to hand over power to his vice president. Ray Suarez discusses the U.N initiative with U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice.
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| Jan. 31, 2012
U.N. Security Council Drafts Resolution on Syria
As violence continued to ensnare Syria Tuesday, Western and Arab diplomats launched talks at the United Nations to oust the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Ray Suarez reports.
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| Jan. 30, 2012
News Wrap: White House Urges Political Solution in Syria
In other news Monday, Syrian government forces pushed back rebellious army units around Damascus as the West took a new diplomatic offensive. At least 100 people died in three days of fighting, according to activists. Also, in Washington, Occupy protesters were ordered by the National Park Service to pack up their gear.
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| Jan. 27, 2012
In Syria, Reports of 'Daily Double-Digit Death Tolls'
Violence in Syria continues to escalate, with activists reporting at least 70 dead in the last two days of fighting in Homs, Hama and Idlib. Margaret Warner and Time magazine's Rania Abouzeid discuss the uptick in violence, plus reports of opposition forces capturing Iranian agents inside Syria.
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| Jan. 27, 2012
News of Escalated Violence in Syria Troubles Arab League Monitors
Violence in Syria continued Friday as activists reported at least 70 dead from fighting by government forces in Homs, Hama and Idlib -- news that has frustrated both the Arab League monitors and the United Nations Security Council. Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News reports.
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| Jan. 27, 2012
News Wrap: Suicide Bombing Kills at Least 33 in Iraq
In other news Friday, at least 33 people were killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq. The bomb went off in southeastern Baghdad during a funeral procession through a largely Shiite neighborhood. Also, French troops may leave Afghanistan a year early in 2013, President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed.
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| Jan. 25, 2012
News Wrap: At Least 7 Killed by Syrian Government Forces in Overnight Assault
In other news Wednesday, Syrian government forces launched a new assault overnight in Hama, according to the opposition. At least seven people were killed there and elsewhere. Also, Indiana's GOP-led House moved closer to adopting a "right-to-work" law, banning unions from requiring workers to join and pay dues.
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| Jan. 24, 2012
News Wrap: Forces Loyal to Gadhafi Seize Key City in Libya
In other news Tuesday, forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi seized control of a key city in Libya, three months after the dictator's death. They retook the former Gadhafi stronghold of Bani Walid, after clashing for hours with revolutionary forces. Also, a string of car bombings rocked Baghdad, killing at least 14 Iraqis.
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| Jan. 23, 2012
Syria's Assad: How Powerful, Dangerous Is He Now?
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed the Arab League's plans to end his country's 10-month old crisis Monday. Ray Suarez discusses the organization's presence in the embattled country with Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and Andrew Tabler of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
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| Jan. 23, 2012
Syria's Assad Dismisses Arab League's Peace Plan
On Monday, as an opposition group reported 23 more killings, the Syrian government rejected an Arab League peace plan -- a proposal the organization hoped would end violence in the troubled country. Ray Suarez reports on the dismissed arrangement that called for forming a unity government and hosting supervised elections.
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| Jan. 19, 2012
Jordan's King Abdullah: Coming Weeks Critical for Syria, Assad, Arab League
King Abdullah II of Jordan, the first Arab leader to urge President Assad to step down, sat down with Margaret Warner Thursday to discuss his expectation of more killings in Syria, the Arab League's role in quelling unrest there as well as the latest Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative and reforms within his own kingdom.
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| Jan. 19, 2012
Killings in Syria Continue Unabated as Arab League Mission Ends
As the Arab League's peace monitoring mission in Syria officially came to an end Thursday, Syrian opposition activists said security forces had killed at least 16 more people. The monitors were assessing whether President Bashar al-Assad's regime had stopped firing on civilians as promised. Margaret Warner reports.
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| Jan. 19, 2012
Jordan's King Abdullah: 'Loss of Life' Will Continue in Syria
King Abdullah II of Jordan told Margaret Warner Thursday that he expects the "loss of life" will continue in Syria and that the key players "don't really know what to do" about the conflict in the Middle Eastern country.
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| Jan. 18, 2012
Are U.S. and Iran Veering Toward War?
Riding on more sanctions and rhetoric, tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate. Margaret Warner discusses whether the U.S. and Iran appear to be sliding into war with Tufts University's Vali Nasr and Dennis Ross, who served in the National Security Council and State Department in four administrations.
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| Jan. 18, 2012
Panetta Leaves Diplomatic, Military Options Open Over Iran
Tehran claimed Wednesday that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had received a letter from President Obama containing threats and an offer of new talks. Margaret Warner reports on the rising tension between the two countries, as well as allusions of military confrontation.
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| Jan. 18, 2012
Are U.S., Iran Headed Toward War?
In the salons of foreign policy wonks in Washington and New York, a fast and furious debate is raging over whether the United States or its allies should launch a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
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| Jan. 13, 2012
News Wrap: Investigators Identify Marines in Taliban Body Desecration Video
In other news Friday, there was new fallout from a video that appears to show U.S. Marines urinating on dead Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. Investigators have identified and interviewed the four enlisted Marines seen on the video, officials said. Also, a fresh outpouring of protesters filled cities across Syria.
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| Jan. 12, 2012
Are Syrian Spies On U.S. Soil?
Are Syrian spies operating on U.S. Soil? Several Syrian-Americans shared their stories of being watched by the Syrian government for a PBS NewsHour investigation. The Syrian government denies any spying takes place.
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| Jan. 12, 2012
Who's Killing Iran's Nuclear Officials?
After Wednesday's deadly attack on a nuclear scientist in Tehran, Jeffrey Brown discusses the unclear covert sabotage on Iran's nuclear program with Ronen Bergman from the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth and David Albright of the Institute for Science and International Security.
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| Jan. 12, 2012
Tehran Bombing Latest in Attacks on Iran's Nuclear Scientists, Program
In the latest in a string of attacks in Iran targeting top nuclear officials, two assailants in Tehran Wednesday stuck a magnetic bomb on the car of a nuclear scientist, killing 32-year-old Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan and his driver. Jeffrey Brown reports.
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| Jan. 11, 2012
News Wrap: Hit-and-Run Bombing Kills Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist
In other news Wednesday, assassins struck a new blow at Iran and its nuclear program. A hit-and-run bombing killed a top nuclear scientist in Tehran. Also, in Israel, the head of the military suggested that things might happen "unnaturally" to Iran in 2012.
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| Jan. 10, 2012
Why Assad Won't Back Down
In a defiant public speech Tuesday, Syrian President Assad repeated promises of reform and plans to crush dissent against his regime. Margaret Warner discusses what's next for Syria with former U.S. Ambassador Theodore Kattouf and Andrew Tabler, a Washington Institute fellow who lived in Syria for most of the last decade.
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| Jan. 10, 2012
Defiant Assad Blames Foreign Meddling for Syria's Turmoil
In a public address Tuesday, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad declared his plans to defeat conspiracy against his country's regime. John Ray of Independent Television News reports on his speech and the government's ongoing crackdown against dissidents.
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| Jan. 9, 2012
News Wrap: White House Chief of Staff Steps Down; Bombings in Iraq
In other news Monday, President Obama announced White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley's resignation. Daley had been in the position for a year, and will be succeeded by Jacob Lew, the president's current budget director. Also, a court martial began for the last U.S. Marine accused in the massacre of two dozen Iraqis.
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| Jan. 9, 2012
Pentagon Signals 'This Is Not the Point of No Return for Iran'
U.S.-Iranian tensions are further on the rise amid revelations over Iran's nuclear program, threats over the Strait of Hormuz and an American's death sentence. Margaret Warner discusses how the two countries are dealing with each other with The New York Times' David Sanger and Julian Barnes of The Wall Street Journal.
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| Jan. 9, 2012
U.S.-Iranian Tensions Escalate Further Over Nuclear Program, Death Sentence
Tensions between the United States and Iran were further heightened Monday as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Iran wouldn't relinquish its nuclear program, despite economic damage from sanctions. Also, an Iranian court sentenced to death a U.S.-born Iranian man charged with spying for the CIA. Margaret Warner reports.
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| Jan. 6, 2012
News Wrap: In Syria, Cause Unclear in Blast That Killed at Least 25
In other news Friday, at least 25 people died in Syria when an explosion rocked an intersection in Damascus. Government officials claimed the blast was the result of a suicide bombing, but opposition activists accused the regime of staging the attack. Also, five NATO troops were killed in a series of bombings in Afghanistan.
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| Jan. 5, 2012
News Wrap: Another Wave of Bombings in Iraq Kills at Least 78
In other news Thursday, another wave of bombings struck in Iraq, killing at least 78 people. It was the second such coordinated attack since U.S. troops left the country last month. Also, the government of Myanmar announced that the party of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be allowed to run in upcoming elections.
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| Jan. 4, 2012
What Have Sanctions Done to Iran's Economy, People?
European Union nations reportedly agreed in principle Wednesday to ban imports of Iranian oil. Margaret Warner discusses mounting tensions between Iran and the West with Haleh Esfandiari of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
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| Jan. 4, 2012
U.S.-Iran Tensions Riding on Oil Shipments Through the Strait of Hormuz
A drumbeat of new threats from Iran on the crucial Strait of Hormuz began last week, punctuated by a show of naval force in the Persian Gulf. Margaret Warner reports on Tehran's reactions to Western sanctions on its oil that are set to take effect in several months.
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| Jan. 4, 2012
News Wrap: Big 3 Automakers Turn in Upbeat Sales for 2011
In other news Wednesday, the Big Three U.S. automakers turned in upbeat sales reports for 2011. Chrysler led the pack with a 26 percent gain over 2010 while General Motors sold 13 percent more. Also, opposition leaders said Syria's government is misleading Arab League peace monitors about the military presence in some cities.
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| Jan. 3, 2012
Are Syrian Spies Keeping Tabs on Opposition Activists in U.S.?
While the death toll in Syria's unrest has climbed above 5,000, another side of the government crackdown has played out in the U.S. A federal indictment filed in October alleges a Virginia man was actively spying on expatriates in the U.S. and passing information back to Syria. Hari Sreenivasan reports.
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| Jan. 3, 2012
News Wrap: Despite Iranian Threats, U.S. Navy Sending Warships to Persian Gulf
In other news Tuesday, the U.S. Navy will continue sending warships to the Persian Gulf, despite threats from Iran, which said its recently completed naval drills could close the Strait of Hormuz if the West tries to embargo its oil. Also, a string of bombings struck Southern Afghanistan, killing at least 13 people.
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| Jan. 3, 2012
Biggest Story of 2011: Arab Spring or Fall of Democratic Stability?
As the weighty foreign policy journals weigh in with their year-end editions, there's a surprising result: far less about the implications of the Arab Spring and more about the economic and political threats to the liberal democratic order that was created in the wake of World War II.
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| Jan. 3, 2012
Panetta to Unveil Plan for Military Cuts
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to unveil his plan later this week for cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from the U.S. military budget in coming years. He will address this and other matters related to the Defense Department on the PBS NewsHour on Thursday, Jan. 5.
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| Jan. 3, 2012
Are Syrian Spies on U.S. Soil?
Syrian spies are operating in the United States, keeping tabs on Syrian-Americans who oppose President Bashar al-Assad, according to a federal indictment filed in October and PBS NewsHour interviews with Syrian-Americans.
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| Jan. 2, 2012
News Wrap: Iran Test-Fires Missile as Part of Strait of Hormuz War Games
In other news Monday, Iran test-fired an improved cruise missile, adding to tensions with the United States, Europe and Israel. The missile test was part of war games that have focused on the vital Strait of Hormuz. Also, security was tighter than usual at the Rose Parade as Occupy protesters marched after the parade ended.
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| Jan. 2, 2012
PBS NewsHour Seeks Syrian-American Voices
Are you a Syrian living in the United States? Have you been harassed or intimidated by agents of the Assad regime or the Mukhabarat? Has your family in Syria been punished for your political beliefs or actions here? The NewsHour has been gathering stories of Syrian-Americans who say they are victims of this kind of harassment.
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MIDDLE EAST
