Aug 6th, 2008 · Complex diplomatic negotiations are taking place in the volatile region. With the U.S. taking a back seat in the talks, smaller countries such as Egypt and Syria are stepping up and taking leading roles.
Jul 14th, 2008 · Leaders from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East have pledged to work for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. The Mediterranean regional summit's launch Sunday in Paris marked a few firsts, like bringing Syria's president to the table with Israel's prime minister.
Jun 22nd, 2008 · A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Syria Sunday to visit an alleged nuclear site bombed by Israeli jets last autumn. U.S. officials believe the facility was a nuclear reactor under construction with clandestine help from North Korea.
Jun 6th, 2008 · Homeland Security officials will take a second look at the case of a Canadian seized in New York as a terrorism suspect and sent to Syria, where he was allegedly tortured. House Democrats want the Justice Department to conduct a criminal probe into the 2002 case.
Jun 5th, 2008 · Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan discusses ongoing instability in Iraq, Turkey's efforts to fight Kurdish militants and efforts to broker negotiations between Israel and Syria.
Jun 2nd, 2008 · The International Atomic Energy Agency says it will send a team to Syria to investigate reports of a secret nuclear site that was bombed by Israeli jets last year.
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 24th, 2008 · The Bush administration has tried to put the best face on a deal in Lebanon that gives Hezbollah more power. It has also welcomed Turkey's role as a mediator between Israel and Syria. But U.S. diplomats played no role in either of these arrangements.