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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Icelandic musician Önnu Jónu Son released an album partly written during a period of loss and addiction, and partly while looking back on his recovery and search for happiness.

Indie-rock band Grandaddy releases its first album of new material since the death of bassist Kevin Garcia.

People who lost their family and homes in the surprise incursion into Israel by Hamas reckon with the aftermath.

A new book about the 1980's film "Airplane!" from David Zucker, Jim Abrahams & Jerry Zucker, the writing and directing team responsible for one of the most transformative film comedies in history.

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Mitski about her new album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.

A mural in Washington, D.C. depicts Americans wrongfully detained abroad and fades with time to represent passing days. Neda Sharghi's brother Emad imprisoned in Iran is one of those faces.

At halftime for the Golden State Warriors, a dance crew for performers age 55 and older hits the hardwood and steals the show.

Artist Mohsen Lihidheb collects objects that wash ashore in Zarzis, Tunisia. His collection is a tribute to the migrants who died trying to cross the Mediterranean.

In Tunisia, 12 years after the revolution, citizens are still asking, "How do you expect me to make a living?"

In rural Wardak province, some Afghans celebrated the return of the Taliban. One year later, here's what they want from the new government.

At the beginning of lockdown, the legendary funk bassist began posting uplifting messages to Instagram, where they found a receptive audience in drummer Adam Deitch of the band Lettuce.

NPR's Rachel Martin talks to writer Raquel Willis about Kendrick Lamar's song "Auntie Diaries" which has divided trans people with its story of how he came to accept his relatives' gender identities.

Talib Kweli discusses the return of Black Star after 24 years, including a return to some of the duo's foundational themes — black excellence, unity, Pan-Africanism and the raising of consciousness.

Tejano singer Selena died in 1995. NPR's A Martinez talks to Maria Garcia, creator and host of the podcast Anything for Selena, about projects that will keep Selena's music alive for new generations.

Tagaq, a recipient of the national Polaris Music Prize, discusses the subjugation of Canada's Indigenous people and her hopes for healing through acknowledging that difficult history.

Zara Rutherford set off from Belgium in August to circle the globe in her Shark UL plane. Five months later, she landed back home, having landed in 41 countries on five continents.

Gen. David Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, has a new plan to recruit and retain Marines, as the service seeks to prioritize growing a corps of highly skilled and educated workers.