World Oct 24 Pastor Andrew Brunson on how his faith survived 2 years in a Turkish prison Andrew Brunson, an American pastor imprisoned in Turkey for two years, inspired global prayers for his safe release. Now, he’s written a book, “God’s Hostage,” about the ordeal, which hardened American relations with NATO ally Turkey. Nick Schifrin talks to…
World Oct 23 As Turkey and Russia expand reach within Syria, U.S. scrambles to reassure allies President Trump says he’s lifting sanctions on Turkey, after Turkey and Russia extended a cease-fire while Syrian Kurds evacuate the Syrian border region. Trump credited U.S. military withdrawal from northeast Syria for delivering “a much more peaceful and stable area,”…
World Oct 23 For northern Syrians who endured ISIS, U.S. withdrawal means a new struggle to survive More than 170,000 people have fled their homes in northern Syria since Turkey launched its offensive two weeks ago. Civilians in the area have lived through years of unrest, including revolution against the Assad regime, the battle to defeat ISIS…
World Oct 22 Turning to Putin, Erdogan ignores U.S. agreement for northeastern Syria As a cease-fire in northern Syria expired Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders announced a joint plan to evict Kurdish YPG fighters from northeast Syria -- displeasing Syrian President Bashar…
World Oct 18 Mexico failed to capture the son of 'El Chapo.' Can it contain drug cartels? Mexico’s president defended his security forces Friday for releasing the son of drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman after they caught him, when members of the cartel opened fire and seized soldiers. Analysts say the failed raid casts doubt on…
World Oct 17 The EU approved Boris Johnson's Brexit plan -- but will Parliament? European Union leaders unanimously backed a Brexit deal with the United Kingdom on Thursday. The next major hurdle is for British Parliament to approve the agreement -- no easy feat for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Nick Schifrin reports and talks…
Politics Oct 16 Syria and impeachment put Trump on defensive as House condemns pullout President Trump on Wednesday dismissed criticism of his withdrawal from northeast Syria and the ensuing Turkish incursion, but a bipartisan vote in the House condemned his action. The fallout comes as another key witness testified in the impeachment inquiry. Amna…
World Oct 15 This Syrian city embodies the consequences of Trump's decision In 2012, the Syrian city of Manbij joined nation-wide protests. In 2014, those Syrian rebels lost the city to the Islamic State group. In 2016, the U.S. fought back with the help of Kurdish forces, liberating the city. In 2018,…
World Oct 15 Bipartisan sanctions are 'next best' way to influence Turkey now, Van Hollen says Lawmakers from both parties are angry with Turkey for its military campaign inside Syria against Kurdish forces, and at President Trump for withdrawing U.S. forces. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., one of the lead authors of legislation that would sanction…
World Oct 14 As U.S. departs Syria, Kurds join Assad regime to fight a NATO ally In the days since the announced withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria, the country’s map is being redrawn. Both Turkey and the Russia-backed Syrian regime made territorial advances, and U.S.-partner Syrian Democratic Forces turned to Damascus for support. As…