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Deborah Amos Deborah Amos covers the Middle East for NPR News. Her reports can be heard on NPR's award-winning Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition.
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Deborah Amos
A Syrian Defector Confronts A Sectarian Divide

Syria's ongoing fighting is increasingly a sectarian conflict with the majority Sunni Muslims facing off against the Alawites who make up most of the country's ruling elite. Here, government opponents rally in the northern town of Mareh on June 29. Vedat Xhymshit/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Vedat Xhymshit/AFP/Getty Images

Middle East

A Syrian Defector Confronts A Sectarian Divide

The fighting in Syria often pits Sunni Muslims, who make up a large majority of the population, versus Alawites, who control many leadership positions. An Alawite who joined the anti-government forces finds he is sometimes viewed with suspicion.

A Syrian Defector Confronts A Sectarian Divide

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Middle East

Syrian Violence Escalates Into Civil War

The Red Cross announced Sunday that the conflict in Syria has now reached the level of civil war. The declaration means international humanitarian law now applies throughout the country, and is the responsibility of all parties, whether rebel or government.

Syrian Violence Escalates Into Civil War

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In A Syrian Souk, Support For The Regime Falters

People walk through Hamidiyah market in Damascus, Syria, Feb. 28. The merchants of this landmark bazaar were once ardent supporters of President Bashar Assad. That's no longer the case. Bassem Tellawi/AP hide caption

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Bassem Tellawi/AP

Middle East

In A Syrian Souk, Support For The Regime Falters

The Muslim merchants of the country's most famous bazaar, Hamidiyah, have traditionally backed President Bashar Assad. But the government's brutal response to the uprising, coupled with crippling economic sanctions, is eroding that support.

In A Syrian Souk, Support For The Regime Falters

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Middle East

President Assad Declares Syria In A State Of War

Over the past 24 hours, the Syrian regime has engaged in escalating fighting with rebel fighters, who took on an elite unit of the army and attacked a pro-Assad television station.

President Assad Declares Syria In A State Of War

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Syrian Youth Lead Rebellion, And Teach Their Elders

A Syrian youth flashes the victory sign as he stands in front of a building that was covered with anti-government graffiti — though local authorities painted over it — in the town of Duma, outside Damascus, in February. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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AFP/Getty Images

Middle East

Syrian Youth Lead Rebellion, And Teach Their Elders

Syria's younger generation has led the uprising against the country's repressive regime. Fearless and outspoken, the country's youth are using technology to organize and connect — and are helping their parents do so, too.

Syrian Youth Lead Rebellion, And Teach Their Elders

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After 30 Years In Syria, Outspoken Priest Is Expelled

The Italian Jesuit priest Paolo Dall'Oglio, shown here at the Syrian Maronite monastery of Deir Mar Musa in 2007, lived in Syria for 30 years before he was expelled Saturday. Dall'Oglio has spoken out in support of protesters who oppose President Bashar Assad. Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Louai Beshara/AFP/Getty Images

Middle East

After 30 Years In Syria, Outspoken Priest Is Expelled

When anti-government demonstrations began last year, the Rev. Paolo Dall'Oglio supported the young Syrians calling for democracy. During his three decades in Syria, the Italian Jesuit priest helped restore an ancient monastery outside of Damascus and promoted Christian-Muslim dialogue.

After 30 Years In Syria, Outspoken Priest Is Expelled

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Middle East

U.N. Sees 'Lack Of Willingness' For Peace In Syria

The head of the U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria said Friday that there appears to be a "lack of willingness" on the government and anti-government sides to see a peaceful transition in the country.

U.N. Sees 'Lack Of Willingness' For Peace In Syria

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Syrian Fighting Spreads From City To City

A Syrian man carries a wounded girl next to Red Crescent ambulances following an explosion Friday reportedly targeting a military bus near Qudssaya, a neighborhood in Damascus. AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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World

Syrian Fighting Spreads From City To City

The Free Syrian Army launched what many say was the first coordinated rebel attack in Damascus last Friday. The capital appeared quiet on Monday, but heavy fighting was reported in two cities in central Syria.

Syrian Fighting Spreads From City To City

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In A Syrian Village, Evidence Of A Slaughter

Anti-government protesters in the northern Syrian village of Hass protest on Thursday following the deaths of dozens of civilians a day earlier in the village of Mazraat al-Qubair. The banner reads, "The al-Qubair massacre challenges the world's humanity." Edlib News Network/AP hide caption

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Edlib News Network/AP

Middle East

In A Syrian Village, Evidence Of A Slaughter

A day after they were turned away by Syrian security forces, U.N. monitors reach the village where 78 people were believed slaughtered on Wednesday.

In A Syrian Village, Evidence Of A Slaughter

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In Morocco, Islamists Learn To Work With A King

Morocco's Islamist Justice and Development Party heads the country's new government, the result of snap elections called by the king. Here, Abdelilah Benkirane, the party's secretary general and now prime minister, arrives for an election rally in Sale on Nov. 1. The party now faces political as well as economic challenges. Paul Schemm/AP hide caption

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Paul Schemm/AP

Africa

In Morocco, Islamists Learn To Work With A King

An Islamist party heads Morocco's newly elected government, part of a wave of Islamist election victories following uprisings across North Africa. But unlike in Tunisia and Egypt, Morocco's Islamists came to power as a result of reforms by a monarch, not revolution in the streets.

In Morocco, Islamists Learn To Work With A King

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Middle East

Resolve Of Syria's Pro-Government Forces Hardens

It's been one year since the uprisings began that led to the Arab Spring, but one country is proving particularly resistant to the forces of change. Ten months of protest by Syria's people, haven't convinced President Bashar Assad to step down.

Resolve Of Syria's Pro-Government Forces Hardens

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Is The Arab Spring Good Or Bad For The U.S.?

The U.S. is still trying to formulate new policies for the fast-changing politics of the Middle East. Here, Hillary Clinton stands with Libyan fighters who ousted Moammar Gadhafi during an Oct. 18 visit by the U.S. secretary of state to the capital Tripoli. Kevin Lamarque/AFP/Getty Images) hide caption

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Kevin Lamarque/AFP/Getty Images)

Opinion

The Arab Spring: One Year Later

Is The Arab Spring Good Or Bad For The U.S.?

For decades, the U.S. sought stability in the Middle East. But the upheavals of the past year have left the region in flux, and the U.S. is trying to define a new policy for dealing with changes that are still playing out.

Is The Arab Spring Good Or Bad For The U.S.?

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Middle East

Qatar Emerges As Major Force In Arab World

The tiny Persian Gulf state of Qatar has deep pockets and a big microphone in the form of its news network, Al Jazeera. In recent months, those assets have been used to propel the Arab Spring forward. Qatar has supported rebel movements in Libya and Syria, and is promoting a "Marshall Fund" for Oman, Morocco and Jordan. The country's emir has close, personal relationships with the emerging Islamist leaders from Casablanca to Cairo — and meanwhile provides a home to the largest U.S. military base outside the United States.

Qatar Emerges As Major Force In Arab World

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In Syria, Arab League Observers Caught In Crossfire

In this frame grab from an amateur video posted on YouTube, members of the Arab League monitor violence in the Syrian city of Homs this week. YouTube hide caption

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YouTube

Middle East

In Syria, Arab League Observers Caught In Crossfire

An Arab League monitoring mission is visiting Homs and Hama, major centers of Syria's anti-government uprising, and witnessed violence firsthand. Activists say at least 40 protesters were killed by security forces Thursday. The presence of the monitors has emboldened the protesters, who are chronicling their struggle in videos.

In Syria, Arab League Observers Caught In Crossfire

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Middle East

Hundreds Killed In Bloody Month For Syrian Uprising

The fight between Syria's government and anti-government forces continues. Activists and groups that monitor the country say recently hundreds of people have been killed in the villages and towns near the Turkish border as the Syrian government mounts an offensive on anti-government forces.

Hundreds Killed In Bloody Month For Syrian Uprising

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