Jan 21 'Imagine our helpless feeling' -- a Syrian writer's plea to the world By Corinne Segal Read two new stories from Najat Abdul Samad, a writer living in Syria who has emerged as one of the most striking voices in Syrian literature today. Continue reading
Jan 20 Senate Democrats block Syrian refugee bill By Richard Lardner, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have blocked a House-passed bill that would crack down on Syrian and Iraqi refugees coming to the U.S. Continue reading
Jan 19 Obama touts Australia's contribution to Islamic State fight By Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday thanked Australia for its "steadfast" alliance and key contributions in the fight against Islamic State group, as he we welcomed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to the White House for the new leader's first… Continue reading
Jan 17 Watch 9:02 Inside the harsh living conditions for Syrian refugees in Turkey By PBS News Hour More than 2.5 million refugees fleeing Syria's civil war, currently live in Turkey. Nearly 90 percent of those refugees are now living outside of traditional refugee camps, presenting a whole new set of challenges for international relief agencies. NewsHour special… Continue watching
Jan 16 Senate to consider bill on screening procedures for refugees By Michael D. Regan and Richard Lardner, Associated Press The Senate will consider new rigorous screening procedures for Syrian and Iraqi refugees seeking to enter the United States as national security looms large for voters in an election year. Continue reading
Jan 15 Jeb Bush lays out plans for foreign policy By Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press CORALVILLE, Iowa — Jeb Bush believes he's got the best prescription for American foreign policy, from his strategies for deterring North Korea's nuclear ambitions, to destroying the Islamic State. Continue reading
Jan 15 U.S. military confirms 8 civilian deaths in 2014 airstrikes By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. military says eight civilians were killed and three others injured in five airstrikes last year in Iraq and Syria. Continue reading
Jan 13 Obama, Putin agree on a tougher response to North Korea By Josh Lederman, Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Wednesday in calling for a tough global response to North Korea's recent nuclear test, even as they remained at odds over Ukraine and Syrian President Bashar Assad. Continue reading
Jan 13 Pentagon lays out plan to take back Mosul, Raqqa from Islamic State group By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press FORT CAMPBELL, KY — Defense Secretary Ash Carter laid out broad plans Wednesday to defeat Islamic State militants and retake the group's key power centers in Iraq and Syria. And he announced that a special commando force has now arrived… Continue reading
Jan 12 Watch 2:48 Aid convoy brings temporary relief to besieged Madaya By PBS News Hour For the citizens of Madaya in Syria, long besieged by war, it's been months since they ate properly. After lengthy negotiations by the UN and international aid groups to deliver food and medicine, relief has finally arrived, but the problems… Continue watching