Oct 13th, 2008 · Many are watching to see whether Taro Aso, Japan's new prime minister, can break through a tough political stalemate and overcome a flagging economy. The tough-line Aso is popular, but critics note that his party has seen a series of short-term leaders.
Oct 2nd, 2008 · Austerely beautiful and emotionally candid, Lance Hammer's debut melds plainspoken American realism with oblique European minimalism. A study in stalemated lives, it's as dread-filled as a Robert Johnson song — though never that direct.
Sep 22nd, 2008 · A dispute between two Iraqi security services is brewing in the eastern city of Khanaqin. A Kurdish group, loyal to the Kurdistan regional government, controls security into the city. The Iraqi government has sent troops to take over the town but they are not being allowed to enter. The standoff has become so hostile that top Iraqi and U.S. military officials are trying to negotiate a solution.
Jul 21st, 2008 · For a year and a half, Lebanon was locked in a stalemate. Its government was paralyzed by a power struggle between a Western-backed faction and a bloc led by Shiite militants, Hezbollah. The stalemate broke in May, when Hezbollah defeated its rivals in several days of fighting. Now a new Lebanese government has formed, and Hezbollah appears more powerful then ever.
Jul 6th, 2008 · Negotiations have stalled between the U.S. and Iraq over the future role of American troops there. The so-called "status of forces agreement" is in trouble — and Iraqi leaders are considering alternative proposals. NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro in Baghdad speaks to host Andrea Seabrook about the dispute.
Jun 14th, 2008 · An agreement that would allow U.S. forces to remain in Iraq past the Dec. 31, 2008 date established by a U.N. mandate is causing rifts between the United States, Iraq and Iran. Iraqi Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman talks with NPR's Scott Simon about the negotiations under way to allow a permanent U.S. military presence in Iraq.
May 25th, 2008 · After a six-month vacancy, Lebanon swears in a new president Sunday. The vote in parliament for Gen. Michel Suleiman ends 18 months of political stalemate. Sulieman vows to strengthen ties with Syria; Lebanon's relationship with its neighbor is a source of much its political turmoil. Mohanad Hage Ali, political editor the Arab world daily Al-Hayat, speaks with NPR's Guy Raz.
May 21st, 2008 · The pro-western government in Lebanon has struck a deal with the opposition, 18 months after the Hezbollah led-leadership resigned from the cabinet. Paul Salem, the director of the Carnegie Endowment's Middle East Center in Beruit, talks with Michele Norris about key parts of the deal.