Alison Meuse

The Islamic State is losing territory in Iraq and Syria but is trying to keep its supporters' spirits up through song. Its newest release, "My State Remains," reveals an organization down but not out.

In recent weeks, protesters have been killed and arrested, an opposition party dissolved and an independent newspaper closed. Some accuse President Trump of prioritizing arms sales over human rights.

Qatar hosts a key air base for the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS. It's unclear how or if coalition members that severed ties with Qatar will continue to participate in operations out of that base.

In Lebanon, the LGBT community has made important strides in recent years. But activists say there's still much to be done to achieve equal rights. The first Beirut Pride week was earlier this month.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says most of the victims were families evacuating from two Shiite villages, Fuaa and Kefraya, long besieged by rebels. No group has claimed responsibility.

"Our feelings today are mixed between happiness and sadness," a Syrian woman tells NPR. "We're tired inside. We're tired of planes. We want to live a normal life."

"Their faces had turned yellow and they had stopped breathing," a Syrian activist tells NPR. "As I'm describing the incident to you now, my hands are shaking. No, my whole body is shaking."

An apparent chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held area of Syria claims the lives of dozens of civilians, including children. The White House blames the Syrian government.

The U.S. considers deploying hundreds more American troops to Syria in the final phase of the war against ISIS — one that could reshape borders and relationships in the Middle East.

A U.N. commission accuses Russian-backed Syrian forces and rebel factions of war crimes in Aleppo. Civilians "were increasingly left vulnerable to repeated violations by all sides," the report says.