NPR News: 07-07-2026 9AM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Louise Schiavone· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. NATO leaders are gathering in Turkey's capital Ankara today for the start of the annual summit of the alliance's 32 member states. President Trump is there. As NPR's Hadiel Al-Shalchi reports, the allies have a major challenge ahead of them.

Hadil Al-Shalchi0:35

The opening day of the NATO summit will be all about showing unity and credibility. Leaders will meet to discuss an increase in defense spending and investing in military capabilities, including their commitment to spend 5% of GDP on defense and broader security needs, a significant increase from NATO's previous target. But the main challenge for allies this week will be to convince President Trump to stay committed to NATO. Trump has long argued that NATO allies rely too heavily on the US and that its support cannot be taken for granted. So this week is a chance for European allies to show they're stepping up. Hadiel Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Ankara.

Louise Schiavone· Host1:11

Two explosions rock Syria's capital Damascus this morning, injuring 18 people according to Syrian officials. The bombs went off near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron held morning meetings on his official visit to Syria. There are growing Democratic calls for the party's Senate candidate