© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The normalization of Syria’s dictator in the Middle East

Season 2024 Episode 203 | 8m 11s

For 14 years, the authoritarian regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has waged a bloody war against the Syrian people, killing and displacing millions. Other Arab states and the West had shunned Syria in response, making it a pariah. But now, relations with the Syrian dictator are beginning to thaw. Ali Rogin speaks with the Middle East Institute’s Charles Lister to learn more.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Pope Leo warns AI should be 'disarmed' in manifesto on potential dangers
U.S. and Iran suggest progress on peace talks, but deal ‘not imminent’
Mina Kimes on the 'big game feel' of the Scripps National Spelling Bee
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Democrats concerned about direction of DNC leadership
Some MAHA backers grow frustrated with Trump's health policies
May 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Ohio volunteers locate and honor graves of Revolutionary War veterans
News Wrap: Southern California chemical tank no longer a threat to explode
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Carbon credit program pays small landowners to keep forests standing