Students return to schools in Syria

The latest stories from www.wnyc.org

Universities, schools and public institutions have officially reopened across Syria today, the first time since rebel groups took control of the country. This comes the UN envoy Geir Pedersen says he supports lifting sanctions on the Islamist group that led the offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad. On his first visit to Damascus since Assad fled a week ago, Mr Pedersen urged justice, not revenge - and he called for increased and immediate aid. Also in the programme: Five people convicted of drug offences in Indonesia have returned to Australia after two decades in prison; and we hear from Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan who has co-produced a film that's vying for an Oscar. (Picture: Students sit in a classroom at a school in Damascus. Credit: Ammar Awad/REUTERS)