The vice president says if Iranian leaders are serious and have an agenda for discussion, the U.S. is open to direct negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

The crisis in Syria is the focus of a security conference in Germany this weekend, and for the first time, a leader of Syria's opposition sat down with officials from Russia and Iran. Both of those countries are key allies of the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad. While no concrete proposals emerged from the talks, they might signal a new sense of purpose. NPR's Kelly McEvers reports.

Israelis go to the polls Tuesday in parliamentary elections that are expected to propel Benjamin Netanyahu back to the premiership. NPR's Larry Abramson talks with host Rachel Martin about the issues at play in the election, from relations with Iran, to the economy.

The monkey the country said it sent to space looks very different from the monkey that came back.