Politics or emotion ...

[Trump has never seemed particularly interested in the complicated civil war]( Oct. 24, 2018 In early September, President Donald Trump did something strange: He took a break from baiting his enemies and boosting his allies on Twitter to [tweet a warning to Syria, Russia]([and]([Iran about Idlib,](the last rebel-held province in Syria. The United States has troops on the ground in Syria, but Trump has never seemed particularly interested in gains and losses on the ground in the complicated civil war. Also, a former staffer at a Virginia-based charity alleges in a new whistleblower complaint that his former employer is [bilking donors out of millions of dollars —]( money intended to help homeless veterans. And these California parents drop off their children at school and then head to their own classroom [to learn English.]( Lastly, in case you've missed it, we're looking for your feedback on The Scan. Let us know [your thoughts here](. We appreciate it! — Anna Pratt, The Scan editor [No Images? Click here.]( [Is US policy in Syria driven by politics or emotion?]( [Is US policy in Syria driven by politics or emotion?]( While the Trump administration’s Iran stance clearly plays a role in the sudden shift on Syria, the president’s own emotions and personal interactions may have had something to do with it as well. [Is US policy in Syria driven by politics or emotion?]( [Is US policy in Syria driven by politics or emotion?]( While the Trump administration’s Iran stance clearly plays a role in the sudden shift on Syria, the president’s own emotions and personal interactions may have had something to do with it as well. [Embattled veterans nonprofits face new complaint with IRS]( [Embattled veterans nonprofits face new complaint with IRS]( Army Maj. Brian Arthur Hampton has spent most of the groups’ money on telemarketers — and himself. "Virtually none of that money goes to any public purpose," said James C. Edgar, who filed the complaint to the IRS against Hampton. [Embattled veterans nonprofits face new complaint with IRS]( [Embattled veterans nonprofits face new complaint with IRS]( Army Maj. Brian Arthur Hampton has spent most of the groups’ money on telemarketers — and himself. "Virtually none of that money goes to any public purpose," said James C. Edgar, who filed the complaint to the IRS against Hampton. [In a California elementary school, parents have a classroom of their own]( [In a California elementary school, parents have a classroom of their own]( Adult education is often thought of as completely separate from children’s education. But some school districts are trying to integrate them by creating family literacy programs. [In a California elementary school, parents have a classroom of their own]( [In a California elementary school, parents have a classroom of their own]( Adult education is often thought of as completely separate from children’s education. But some school districts are trying to integrate them by creating family literacy programs. [Officials investigating bombs sent to top Democrats and CNN as election looms]( [Officials investigating bombs sent to top Democrats and CNN as election looms]( A suspicious package sent to Clinton was found late Tuesday while another package addressed to Obama was found early Wednesday. The Time Warner Center in New York City was evacuated after an explosive device was found in the CNN mail room Wednesday morning. [New Zealand's prime minister is a rock star on the world stage. At home, supporters are impatient.]( [New Zealand's prime minister is a rock star on the world stage. At home, supporters are impatient.]( Jacinda Ardern's slowness in delivering on campaign promises, particularly tackling high levels of income inequality, frustrates domestic supporters in contrast with the global euphoria around her that peaked last month. Hey, Scan reader… PRI takes a global approach to the news of the day. We help you understand how what happens around the world matters in Washington and in your neighborhood. Today more than ever, we need conversations, perspectives and diverse voices. [Donate Today >]( Enjoying The Scan? Forward it to a friend! And if you’re not getting it daily, it’s easy to subscribe. [Sign up here](. We also love feedback, so please [tell us how we’re doing](. Today’s newsletter was written by Anna Pratt. Find her on Twitter: [@annapratt](. [Press release]( [PRI Facebook]( [PRI Twitter]( [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [View in your browser]( The Scan is brought to you by [GlobalPost]( and [PRI - Public Radio International](.