Pope Leo XIV to visit Turkey and Lebanon on first foreign trip

Former U.S. diplomat Kurt Volker discussed the Trump administration's unconventional approach to negotiating a peace deal for Ukraine, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in the ongoing conflict. The administration's latest strategy includes a 28-point peace plan that has raised significant concerns regarding territorial concessions from Ukraine to Russia.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his inaugural foreign trip to Turkiye and Lebanon, a journey that aims to promote peace and unity in a region experiencing heightened tensions, particularly following recent violence in Beirut. This trip marks a significant moment in his papacy as he seeks to engage with the local communities.

NPR's international team shares insights from Amman, Jordan, highlighting the city's rich historical context and its significance in the region. The narrative emphasizes the interplay between history and contemporary life in Amman, showcasing how the past continues to shape the present.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink discussed Ukraine's current stance on a proposed peace deal during an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, highlighting the complexities of the negotiations amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

NPR's Michel Martin interviewed former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul regarding the potential for a revised peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The discussion centers on how the U.S. can effectively communicate and negotiate this new approach with both parties involved.

Syrians displaced by the ongoing conflict are returning to their homes in northern Syria, only to find their properties occupied by foreign fighters. Nearly a year after the war's end, the issue of property ownership remains unresolved, complicating the reintegration of returnees into their communities.

The United Nations has called for an impartial investigation into Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 127 civilians since a ceasefire was declared nearly a year ago. This request follows a recent escalation in hostilities, including the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut by Israeli forces, marking a significant increase in military actions in the region.

At least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since a ceasefire was declared nearly a year ago, according to the UN, which has called for an impartial investigation into these attacks. The UN human rights office has expressed concern over the increasing military actions by Israel, which have resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of property in Lebanon.