How a Damascus Firehouse Illustrates Syria's Divisions and Hope for the Future

For days Israel has been attacking Iran with airstrikes, which they say is an effort to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities. Iran has been responding by firing missiles at Israel. We'll hear what has been hit and what targets may be next. And we compare the two countries' ability to defend against these types of attacks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Commissioned by Napoleon, the opulent Opera Garnier is named after its architect, Charles Garnier. Garnier rose from the Paris slums to design one of Europe's most celebrated venues. Opera Garnier eventually became the inspiration for the novel and musical, "Phantom of the Opera."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Iran declared it would accelerate its nuclear enrichment program. That announcement came after the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Iran is violating its obligations. Meanwhile a new round of talks between Iran and the U.S. are scheduled for the weekend and President Trump says he is preventing Israel from striking Iran and he wants to see cooperation. We hear the latest developments and the voices of average Iranians who seem unfazed by news from the talks.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Pakistan and India traded cross-border military strikes in May, a four day flare-up in a long running conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries. Among the significant developments in the brief conflict was the first time a Chinese made fighter plane saw combat. Our correspondent in Mumbai says that debut might have a long term impact.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A new powerful group has risen in Gaza and they are being armed by Israel. The militia calls itself "The Popular Forces" and they are presenting themselves as a counter to Hamas' rule of the territory. Our correspondent tells us what we know about this new armed power.For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdatesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The United States hosts many students and scientific researchers from the world's two largest countries, India and China. The U.S. is seen as one of the best places to get and education and on the cutting edge of innovation. But a series of moves by the Trump administration, including greater scrutiny of those applying for student visa and, in the case of China, threats to revoke some visas, are making some rethink their plans.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Amid Israel's expanding war in Gaza and its restrictions on aid entering the territory it's getting harder and harder for civilians to find enough to eat. A U.N.-backed report warns half a million people in Gaza are facing starvation. We hear what life is like there for a mother and her eight children.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

President Donald Trump has issued a new travel ban, barring travelers from 12 countries and partially restricting travelers from seven others from coming to the U.S. We hear from reporters in Asia, Latin America and Africa to hear how targeted countries might be affected.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Since the war against Hamas in Gaza began, there have been protests in Israel pressuring the government to end the war so that the hostages being held there can be released. But lately, as the number of casualties in Gaza mount and food entering the territory has been restricted, it is becoming less taboo to speak out about the plight of Palestinians. We go to one protest.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

After being on opposite sides of Syria's war, former regime firefighters and members of the White Helmets in a Damascus firehouse are learning to trust each other and work side-by-side.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy