International Stories You Loved In 2020

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Health workers from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, share an emotional embrace with their peers from a hospital in Jilin province at the Tianhe Airport. Colleagues who worked on the front lines together bid farewell as Wuhan lifted its coronavirus lockdown in April.

Amy Cheng/NPR

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Amy Cheng/NPR

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A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher from an ambulance at the Columbus Covid 2 Hospital in Rome, March 17.

Alessandra Tarantino/AP

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Alessandra Tarantino/AP

World
Photos: The Non-Pandemic Events That Helped Shape 2020 Around The World

Ireland Finds U.S. Tourists During Pandemic May Be Trouble. But So Is Their Absence

There’s a perception that Americans are resistant to wearing masks and are refusing to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Still, one hotel worker says, «We are missing the Americans greatly. — Teri Schultz

Coronavirus Spreads In Iran, Piling More Problems On The Sanctions-Hit Country

The country has been reeling from pressure reimposed by the Trump administration. This year, it scrambled to cope with the virus that has killed many Iranians. — Peter Kenyon

For extensive coverage of the pandemic, you can go to The Coronavirus Crisis and NPR’s Goats and Soda and Shots blogs.

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Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian from the international animal welfare organization Four Paws International, comforts Kaavan during his examination at the zoo in Islamabad, before leaving for Cambodia.

Anjum Naveed/AP

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Anjum Naveed/AP

Goats and Soda
Our Top Global Stories Of 2020 Not About The Pandemic

Dr. Amir Khalil, a veterinarian with Four Paws International, said the «world’s loneliest elephant was settling into his new home in Cambodia. Khalil sang Sinatra’s «My Way to help calm Kaavan. — Ashley Westerman

Brexit Day: What To Know When The U.K. Leaves The EU

Britain is ending its more than 40-year membership in the European Union. Here’s how Brexit was expected to play out. — Frank Langfitt

Iraqi Family Identifies Their Son As ISIS Teen At Center Of Navy War Crimes Trial

The name of the young ISIS fighter was not revealed in U.S. court proceedings, and the records are sealed. NPR identified the fighter with the help of Iraqi officials and the teenager’s family. — Jane Arraf

‘We Had To Take Action’: States In Mexico Move To Ban Junk Food Sales To Minors

«The damage of this kind of diet is even more visible because of the pandemic, says a Oaxaca legislator who spearheaded a law against the sale of junk food and soda to minors. The idea is spreading. — James Fredrick

Putin And Biden Signal Chilly Relations To Come

As the president-elect vows to get tough on Moscow, analysts say Russia’s leader wants to show he’ll take the fight to Washington — and his congratulations delay was just the latest sign. — Lucian Kim

Facing Eviction, Residents Of Denmark’s ‘Ghettos’ Are Suing The Government

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Families are still seeking the musical instruments and other items stolen by the Nazis.

Cornelia Li for NPR

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Cornelia Li for NPR

National
NPR’s 40 Most Engaging And Popular Stories Of 2020

«We will continue to fight and speak and raise our voices, says Belarusian athlete Yelena Leuchanka. «The face of what is happening in Belarus is largely the face of women, says an ex-U.S. diplomat. — Michele Kelemen

‘Our Houses Are Not Safe’: Residents Fear Taliban In Afghanistan’s Capital

The Taliban have waged attacks across the country, prompting a call to reduce the violence from Gen. Mark Milley. In Kabul, the public worries about the Taliban’s return. — Diaa Hadid

‘A Journey That We Have To Join Together’: 2 Dutch Women Confront Slavery’s Legacy

World
Recommended Reads Of 2019 From NPR’s International Correspondents

Maartje Duin and Peggy Bouva are examining painful issues in the Netherlands’ colonial past. «We wanted to show people that you can talk about this openly, even if it’s uncomfortable, says Bouva. — Joanna Kakissis

Venezuela’s Maduro Holds Firmly To Power — And Squeezes The Opposition

Nicolás Maduro has remained in control despite international pressure and attempts to remove him, while opposition leaders weaken. — John Otis

World
10 Global Stories You Loved In 2018

Cambodia’s Prized Kampot Pepper, Nearly Wiped Out By Khmer Rouge, Makes A Comeback

«It’s like a wine, says a grower. «You can taste it like a wine, and then you can keep the taste in your mouth for a very long time. White peppercorns can cost up to $100 per ounce. — Michael Sullivan

Why Labeling Antonio Banderas A ‘Person Of Color’ Triggers Such A Backlash

When media called him one of the few actors of color nominated for an Oscar, many Spaniards mocked the term or got angry. — Lucía Benavides