Deborah Amos

A German court sentenced a Syrian intelligence officer to life in prison, in a landmark war crimes trial.

The world's first criminal trial on torture in Syria's prisons ended Thursday in Koblenz, Germany — the first time a high-ranking ex-Syrian official faced Syrians in open court in a war crimes case.

Kevin Dawes describes how a fellow prisoner in Syria kept a promise that called attention to Dawes' detention. Now, five years after his release, Dawes is suing the Syrian regime.

A U.S. citizen, described as a misfit adventurer, spent years in a Syrian prison and is now suing. At the same time, he's fulfilling the pact he made with his fellow prisoner.

German courts and investigators are taking on crimes far beyond their borders — alleged war crimes by ISIS, the Syrian regime and others.

Witnesses have detailed Syrian prison abuse in a crimes against humanity trial in Germany for over a year. Some withdrew over threats, while many have persevered to bring to justice an ex-official.

Witnesses to a Syrian intelligence officer's alleged war crimes face down intimidation as they testify in landmark trial in Germany — but they continue to tell the story.

They come from countries where the idea of a girl on a bicycle is often taboo. Now a group called Bikeygees is teaching them to master the pedals. For the new riders, it's a lifelong dream come true.

A program in Germany teaches refugee women how to ride bikes as a way to build confidence and integrate themselves into a new society.

An Israeli demolition last month revived fears among residents of al-Bustan in east Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood. "Yes, Bustan is going to be demolished for a park," says Jerusalem's deputy mayor.

An extreme right-wing member of Israel's parliament is accused of stirring up violence. He, however, says he's standing up for his view of Israel as a Jewish state.

An Israeli sketch writer talks about making comedy after the ouster of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, and how to handle humor around the country's serious topics.

In the village of Jisr al-Zarqa, residents wish for opportunities available in nearby Jewish towns. They wonder if the new government, which includes an Arab party for the first time, will help.

Palestinians in a Jerusalem neighborhood face the threat of having their homes demolished. The move would be to make room for a biblical park of ancient sites sought by Jewish settlers.

The Israel Defense Forces said its fighter jets struck two Hamas military compounds early Wednesday morning.

Israel hit Hamas sites in Gaza after incendiary balloons were launched in the first attacks since a ceasefire ended 11 days of fighting last month.

Israeli nationalists marched through Palestinian neighborhoods of Jerusalem Tuesday, heightening tensions and providing a first test for the new Israeli government.

The Israeli parliament voted to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years in power. Israel's longest-serving prime minister will be succeeded by Naftali Bennett, a former aide turned political rival.

Israel's parliament has approved a new coalition government, ending Benjamin Netanyahu's 12 years in power.

The Israeli parliament is expected to vote today on ousting long-time Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This, after Netanhayhu failed to form a coalition government after four rounds of elections.