All Things Considered

Bibi Tanga is a true musical globe-trotter. Born in the Central African Republic to a family of diplomats, he spent most of his life following his father around the world. But Tanga says his journey has helped him to incorporate diverse genres into funky, multilingual songs that tackle themes well-hidden behind groovy hooks. Together with his band the Selenites, he is now touring the U.S. in support of his new album 40 Degrees of Sunshine.

As fighting between the Syrian military and rebel fighters rages, concerns are growing about how the regime of President Bashar Assad might react if it becomes convinced it's about to lose power.

One theory involves the establishment of a breakaway region dominated by Syria's Alawite minority — which includes the Assad family — in the northwestern coastal mountains. Analysts say this would be a disaster both for Assad and the region, but it can't be completely ruled out.

Listeners write in about Robert Siegel's interview with a young woman who shared a special bond with her father over the Warren Zevon song, Werewolves of London. Audie Cornish reads some of the comments.

Transcript

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Audie Cornish. And it's time now for All Tech Considered.

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CORNISH: First off, the week ahead in tech. And today, we get a twofer with NPR's Steve Henn and Laura Sydell. Welcome to you both.

LAURA SYDELL, BYLINE: Hello.

STEVE HENN, BYLINE: Hi.

CORNISH: A big trial started today in San Jose. Apple and Samsung are facing off over smartphone patents in federal court. Laura, let's start with you. What's it all about?