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The opposition group Syrian National Coalition took considerable heat from inside Syria when it decided to meet with government representatives at the Geneva peace talks. But after several days, coalition members say they're pleased to find their star is rising among Syrians. The talks have also been a kind of trial by fire for the coalition, which says its ability to make its case is improving daily. Syrians also seem fascinated to see government officials caught in face-to-face confrontations with the opposition.

Al-Qaida has gained control in an area where 1,300 U.S. troops lost their lives during the Iraq War. Troops who came home are now wondering whether it was all in vain, the Arizona Republican says. He says the total withdrawal of troops from Iraq left a vacuum that's being filled by America's enemies.

ANALYSIS: The president was brisk and confident during Tuesday night's State of the Union address. He also managed to avoid a remarkable array of issues that could have proved problematic. But he hasn't been nearly as adept at the less-dramatic business of dealing with Congress and the media.

Defeating the militant group Islamic State in the Middle East will depend on getting Sunni Muslims to reject it. And Sunnis, the region's majority religious sect, are divided, insecure and struggling over their identity.

Animal rights groups say Tennessee walking horses' distinctive high-stepping gait is partly the result of trainers hurting the animals. This year, a major show is testing to try and curb abuse.

Karen Dawisha's new book Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia shows how Russian president Vladimir Putin has enabled his cronies to become enormously wealthy under his kleptocratic rule.

The country's inflation rate is running around 40 percent this year, according to private economists. As a hedge, Argentines are always looking for ways to get their hands on U.S. dollars.

NPR's David Folkenflik talks with Melissa Block about the discussion within media circles about the legality and propriety of publishing information stolen in the hack attack against Sony Pictures.

NPR's Tom Goldman discusses the latest rule changes to hit the International Olympic Committee and the NFL, but NPR's Scott Simon is most excited about all the sports talent heading soon to Chicago.

Adam Begley says Updike created an everyman in his Rabbit book series, and inhabited him fully, "allowing that everyman's senses to be totally open to the American experience."