Middle East
US authorities arrest a former Syrian official in Los Angeles
Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested at the airport on his way out of the US this week. The World’s host Carolyn Beeler discussed the significance of the move with Mouaz Mustafa, who played a key role in his detention.
Gaza war is putting Egyptian-Israeli relations to the test
When the Israeli military seized control of the border crossing at Rafah, the Egyptian government seemed to be taken by surprise. Egypt’s government has stopped cooperating with aid shipments into Rafah. It’s also joined South Africa’s effort at the International Court of Justice to bring charges of genocide against Israel. Experts say the 45-year-old Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty is being put at risk.
Who is Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and what does he want?
Israel’s national security adviser says top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is “living on borrowed time.” Sinwar is believed to be the mastermind behind the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. He would also have to sign off on any ceasefire deal to release the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
What does the halting of a recent shipment of US weapons to Israel mean for the war in Gaza?
The US confirmed that it had paused a recent shipment of weapons to Israel. To discuss what that means in the wider scope of the war in Gaza, The World’s host Marco Werman speaks with Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group.
Chaplains open doors for international students on campus
When international students arrive to study in the US, life can be harder than expected. Some universities have found that religious chaplains can help students make the transition. While mental health is stigmatized in some countries, spiritual care is not. As a result, student chaplains have become de facto front-line mental health care providers.
As Israel moves into Rafah, are ceasefire talks over?
The Israel Defense Forces now controls Gaza’s main border crossing with Egypt in the city of Rafah. Israel’s military carried out airstrikes overnight in Rafah. The IDF operation commenced on Monday as Hamas offered a counterproposal for a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange. The negotiations aimed at getting a ceasefire in place appear to be ongoing.