Episodes

  • A Visit to the Gateway for Ukrainian Prisoners of War Freed from Russia

    A Visit to the Gateway for Ukrainian Prisoners of War Freed from Russia
    May 31 2024
    The Ukrainian border town of Krasnopillia, in the country's northeast, is near the only open checkpoint between Ukraine and Russia. When Ukrainians are freed from Russian captivity, or when the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers are returned, they usually come through the town. Our correspondent visited and found the returning countrymen are always welcomed by residents and the staff from the town's scrappy local newspaper.

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    6 mins
  • What Is Hamas' Capability and Strategy Now?

    What Is Hamas' Capability and Strategy Now?
    May 30 2024
    Nearly eight months ago, Israel reacted to the attacks of October 7th by invading Gaza with the goal of destroying Hamas. Our correspondent in Tel Aviv examines how close they are to achieving that goal but looking at Hamas' capability on three fronts: on the battlefield, in continuing to govern and controlling the narrative.

    For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

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    7 mins
  • Battle of Chinese and Taiwanese Chatbots and a Balloon Battle Between the Koreas

    Battle of Chinese and Taiwanese Chatbots and a Balloon Battle Between the Koreas
    May 29 2024
    Taiwan has developed a large language model artificial intelligence chat bot to compete with a product from China because of fears regarding national security. And North Korea sends garbage-filled balloons over the border into South Korea, escalating a long-standing balloon battle between the Koreas.

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    7 mins
  • How Israel's Assault on Rafah is Unfolding

    How Israel's Assault on Rafah is Unfolding
    May 28 2024
    Israel has expanded its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This comes after an Israeli airstrike on Sunday near a displaced persons camp started a fire killing at least 45 people and injuring hundreds more. We hear details from our correspondent in Tel Aviv.

    For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

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    4 mins
  • Questions of Loyalty in Latvia

    Questions of Loyalty in Latvia
    May 27 2024
    Russia's war in Ukraine is deepening divisions across Europe. One example is the Baltic nation of Latvia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. One third of those living in Latvia are Russian speaking and now some elderly residents, who may have lived there for decades, are being forced to prove their loyalty or leave.

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    9 mins
  • Iranians React President's Death; North Korean Propaganda Goes Viral

    Iranians React President's Death; North Korean Propaganda Goes Viral
    May 24 2024
    Iran laid the body of President Ebrahim Raisi to rest, after he died in a helicopter crash. Though thousands attended funeral ceremonies, we hear from Iranians who say he won't be remembered fondly.

    And in South Korea, a propaganda video from North Korea is banned after it goes viral on TikTok.

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    7 mins
  • Meeting the Gangs that Control Haiti

    Meeting the Gangs that Control Haiti
    May 23 2024
    After a long decline of the government in Haiti, gangs have seized complete control. A multi-national force is being sent to Haiti to restore the government to power, but their success is not assured. We go to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to see the challenges this international mission will face.

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    7 mins
  • Taiwan's New Government, With an Eye Towards China

    Taiwan's New Government, With an Eye Towards China
    May 22 2024
    A new president in Taiwan was inaugurated this week. Lai Ching-te will now lead a Taiwan that is divided politically on many issues, including on how to confront China. We'll hear from our correspondent in Taipei and from some young Taiwanese preparing for mandatory military service.

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    8 mins