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.

The Trump administration says it believes the Assad regime in Syria could be preparing to wage another chemical weapons attack. There's been no official reaction from the Assad government.

Iraq's military said ISIS destroyed the 12th century al-Nuri mosque in Mosul's Old City, where ISIS fighters remain. Allied forces are trying to recapture the last of the city.

ISIS claimed responsibility for attacks in Tehran, one on Iran's parliament, the other on a shrine to Ayatollah Khomeni. Attacks are very unusual in Iran, which is a relatively peaceful place.

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.

Over the past year, Lebanon has made strides in the legal battle to decriminalize homosexuality. Speaking at Beirut Pride week, members of the community say there's still a long way to acceptance.

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."