Syrian troops step up shelling of Homs after United Nations condemns the violence.

New York Times war correspondent Anthony Shadid, a frequent guest on Fresh Air, died Thursday after apparently suffering a fatal asthma attack in Syria, where he was reporting on the political uprising. Fresh Air remembers Shadid with excerpts from his December 2011 appearance on the show.

Tell Me More is looking at memoirs for Black History Month, and writers of today seem to have a fresh zeal for exploring family histories. NPR producer John Asante describes his journey to Ghana — the birthplace of his parents and the burial place of his father. He shares what the trip taught him about his family and himself.

Libyans mark one-year anniversary of uprising with a cacophony of celebratory horn honking

Libyans pour into the streets to celebrate a year since the beginning of the uprising that ousted Gaddafi, but revolutionary militias are a continuing menace.

Germany's president, a key ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel, steps down amid a brewing scandal surrounding his past financial dealings.

"Twenty-two years ago China was a basket case — a very poor developing country. So I really feel quite proud."