Jul 30th, 2009 · New research suggests that a village that has been divided into Lebanese and Israeli sectors may actually be Syrian. The finding about the disputed village of Ghajar could have an impact on future talks over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Jul 25th, 2009 · Abdulrahman Zeitoun was arrested just after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. The Syrian immigrant had lived in the city for more than 20 years. Author Dave Eggers says Zeitoun found himself in "a perfect intersection" between a natural disaster and the war on terrorism.
Jun 29th, 2009 · Icelandic singer Björk chats with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen about some of her favorite artists and spins an eclectic mix of music, from Syrian musician Omar Souleyman to Russia's neo-folk group The Pokrovsky Ensemble and the wildly eccentric London-based rock group Micachu and the Shapes. Björk's latest album is Votaic, a collection of live, studio performances of songs from past albums, including Medulla, Post, and Vespertine.
Jun 29th, 2009 · For Bjork, Syrian techno star Omar Souleyman is all about the party. He's not above using synths, electronics, drum machines and YouTube to make something vibrant for today. On stage, his sideman whispers poetry in his ear, which Souleyman sings immediately.
Apr 22nd, 2009 · Malian husband-and-wife duo Amadou and Mariam began recording together in the 1980s, and soon flourished by adding Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets and Indian tablas to their infectious African blues-rock, Western pop and funk. On their new album, Welcome to Mali, the pair sings in English and French instead of their native Bambara.
Mar 7th, 2009 · Diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Syria are just beginning anew. But clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh has been shuttling between New York and Damascus for nearly a decade. He talks to NPR's Scott Simon about dialogue in music.
Nov 2nd, 2008 · The Bush administration isn't saying much about its military raid in Syria this past week. The Syrians, however, have been complaining.
Oct 27th, 2008 · Syrian officials claim a raid into Syria by U.S. forces has claimed eight lives. Borzou Daragahi, Middle East correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, talks about who conducted the attack and how that affects U.S. relations with the country.