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Leila Fadel Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.
Leila Fadel, photographed for NPR, 2 May 2022, in Washington DC. Photo by Mike Morgan for NPR.
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Leila Fadel

Sunday

National

New U.S. Visa Rules Criticized As Racial Discrimination

Recent terrorist attacks have prompted changes to the U.S. visa waiver program. But the changes have caused confusion in Europe and critics say they could spark retaliation.

New U.S. Visa Rules Criticized As Racial Discrimination

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Friday

Europe

David Cameron's Call For Muslim Women To Learn English Sparks Outrage

The British prime minister has a plan to help battle extremism by teaching Muslim women in Britain to speak English. If migrants don't learn English, David Cameron says they may face deportation. But his comments sparked outrage from Muslims and migrant advocates, who say the state is unfairly singling out Muslim women, while providing limited resources for newcomers to Britain to learn the local language.

David Cameron's Call For Muslim Women To Learn English Sparks Outrage

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Thursday

Europe

Vladimir Putin 'Probably' Approved Murder Of Russian Spy, British Report Says

A British judge investigating the murder of the Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko in London has concluded the killing was "probably" approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vladimir Putin 'Probably' Approved Murder Of Russian Spy, British Report Says

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Europe

Putin 'Probably' Approved Plan To Kill Ex-Russian Spy, British Report Says

An investigation into the killing in Britain of Alexander Litvinenko puts the blame on the Russian government. The British report says President Vladimir Putin likely approved the assassination.

Putin 'Probably' Approved Plan To Kill Ex-Russian Spy, British Report Says

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Thursday

Africa

Amnesty International: Human Rights In Tunisia Regresses

It's been five years since the ouster of an authoritarian regime in the north African nation of Tunisia. Protests there sparked regional demonstrations known as the Arab spring.

Amnesty International: Human Rights In Tunisia Regresses

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Monday

Middle East

Saudi Arabia's Execution Of Shiite Cleric Sets Off Diplomatic War With Iran

The Shiite leader executed by Saudi Arabia was fighting for rights for the country's Shiite minority in a broad grassroots effort.

Saudi Arabia's Execution Of Shiite Cleric Sets Off Diplomatic War With Iran

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Sunday

Middle East

Egypt Cracks Down On Free Facebook Service

Egypt has shut down a free Facebook service called Free Basics. The government says it's a licensing issue, but critics say the Egyptian government is stifling freedom of expression.

Egypt Cracks Down On Free Facebook Service

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Saturday

Middle East

Saudi Arabia Executes Dozens, Exacerbating Sectarian Tensions

The country executed 47 people today, including a prominent cleric for the minority Shia in the Kingdom. Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was a vocal critic of the Saudi monarchy and was arrested in 2012.

Saudi Arabia Executes Dozens, Exacerbating Sectarian Tensions

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Friday

Middle East

Hotel Fire Raises Concerns About Safety Of Dubai's Skyscrapers

A fire engulfed a 63-story hotel in Dubai just before the new year on Thursday, causing extensive damage but fortunately only minor injuries. It was the latest in a series of skyscraper fires in the emirate.

Hotel Fire Raises Concerns About Safety Of Dubai's Skyscrapers

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Wednesday

Middle East

Egypt Expands Crackdown On Freedom Of Expression, Advocates Say

On top of the Egyptian government's longstanding effort to squelch dissent, it's engaged in a recent wave of action against free speech — which could set the tone for more censorship in 2016.

Egypt Expands Crackdown On Freedom Of Expression, Advocates Say

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Tuesday

Middle East

Egypt's Tourism Hashtag Hijacked To Show A Repressive State

Tourism in Egypt is struggling after years of unrest and one bad news story after the next. The tourism minister announced a social media campaign to showcase Egypt but it backfired.

Egypt's Tourism Hashtag Hijacked To Show A Repressive State

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Friday

Egyptian Doctor Found Guilty Of Female Genital Mutilation Isn't In Jail

Soheir al Batea died after a surgery for female circumcision in 2013. Courtesy of Equality Now hide caption

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Courtesy of Equality Now

Goats and Soda

Egyptian Doctor Found Guilty Of Female Genital Mutilation Isn't In Jail

Dr. Raslan Fadl was sentenced to two years in prison after a girl died in his care. NPR found him working at a government hospital.

Egyptian Doctor Found Guilty Of Female Genital Mutilation Isn't In Jail

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Saturday

Is A British Program Spotting Radicals Or Alienating Muslims?

British police dog handlers patrol a train station in London in January. Matt Dunham/AP hide caption

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Matt Dunham/AP

Parallels

Is A British Program Spotting Radicals Or Alienating Muslims?

The British government is trying to stop terrorism with a program called Prevent. Teachers, doctors and others are obliged to report suspicious behavior but many worry it's creating a culture of fear.

Is A British Program Spotting Radicals Or Alienating Muslims?

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Thursday

Europe

As Britain's Coal Industry Loses Its Glow, Miners Feel Betrayed

The last deep pit coal mine in northern England closes next month, marking the death of an industry that has fueled area towns for decades. Miners are angry the government didn't do more to help them.

As Britain's Coal Industry Loses Its Glow, Miners Feel Betrayed

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Wednesday

Europe

Hollande Reiterates France Is At War; Raid Jolts Saint-Denis Awake

After the early morning raid in Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris, French President Francois Hollande reminded everyone that France is at war with terrorists.

Hollande Reiterates France Is At War; Raid Jolts Saint-Denis Awake

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