Leila Fadel

Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad depended on his military to keep him in power for years. Then in just a matter of days, that same feared military disintegrated as rebel groups took control of the country. Our reporter in Damascus talks to former military members to understand why the military collapsed so fast.

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As the future of Syria begins to emerge, one minority group is particularly fearful about how they'll be treated. The Alawites feel like they were mistreated by now-deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad, but because he was a member of that sect, they are also unfairly tied to him in the minds of other Syrians. We go to an Alawite neighborhood of Damascus to hear their concerns.

The U.N. estimates over a 100,00 people have gone missing in Syria under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. And many families never knew the fate of their loved ones. Now that the regime has fallen, the search is on for the missing. We join some Syrians on that search.

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The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza approaches the one year mark. Violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to escalate. And there are fears that Iran will get deeply involved with these conflicts. In a volatile moment in the region, Jordan balances a unique set of relationships with all these countries. We hear from Ayman Safadi, who is Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, about what he thinks it will take to end the conflicts.

For more coverage of differing views on these conflicts, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

The war between two armed groups in Sudan has been going on for over a year and has engulfed much of the country. About 12 million people are internally displaced, there is a potential for famine in many parts of the country and there are again fears of genocide in Darfur. The International Rescue Committee has put Sudan at the top of their emergency watchlist and their report says that the international community has failed in Sudan. We talk to the IRC country director about the dire situation.

A growing number of children in the U.S. are being targeted in sextortion schemes— a scam in which a cybercriminal obtains and then threatens to release nude or sexually compromising photos, blackmailing victims for a ransom. And sadly dozens of young victims have died by suicide in the last few years. Cybercriminals are often based abroad and it is a particular problem in Nigeria. Our correspondent in Lagos, Nigeria tells us about the issue, about the tragic case of one 17 year-old victim who took his own life, and about what the FBI is doing to combat the problem.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, please get support. In the U.S. you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The legal team for former President Donald Trump is asking a federal judge to dismiss charges against him for mishandling classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Ukraine says it is struggling to contain a new Russian offensive in a northeastern border region. Its army is short on troops and ammunition. How has Russia gained momentum in this war?

Ukraine struggles to repel a Russian offensive along the northeastern border. President Biden is to announce new tariffs on Chinese imports. Gangs from China and Mexico flood U. S. with fentanyl.

Two new studies show fentanyl smuggling has increased dramatically despite efforts to target the cartels and tighten border security.

We hear from one of the Haiti's most powerful gang leaders. Michael Cohen will take the stand in ex-President Trump's New York criminal trial. As it attacks areas in Gaza, Israel marks Memorial Day.

In September, Menendez — the powerful Democratic Senator from New Jersey — was indicted on federal corruption charges. It's his second bribery and corruption trial in seven years.

The transitional council could begin cementing a new transitional government, and a multi-national force led by Kenya is expected to deploy into the country in the next couple of weeks.

A pier for the delivery of food and other supplies to Gaza is complete and is expected to be installed off the coast of Gaza in the coming days. Aid groups say there are a lot of unanswered questions.

While other streamers try live sports, Netflix experiments with a live talk show and comedy specials. What's behind the pivot, and is it working?

The U.S. wants people to enter the country legally — or not at all. A pier off Gaza for aid is expected to be installed soon. Haiti is making some progress stabilizing its leadership and security.

The U.S. will stop shipments of bombs or artillery shells if Israel presses its offensive against Hamas into the crowded city of Rafah in southern Gaza, President Biden said.

During a Senate hearing Wednesday on antisemitism in K-12 schools, superintendents were unapologetic as they faced tough questions about discipline and accountability.

President Biden would halt weapons shipments if Israel invades Rafah. House Speaker Johnson survives leadership threat. GOP lawmakers grill leaders of three public school districts about antisemitism.

NPR's Leila Fadel talks to former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza.