Mike Shuster, a highly respected foreign and diplomatic correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR), has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Shuster's illustrious career spanned over three decades, during which he covered a myriad of significant global events and earned numerous accolades for his insightful reporting.

Shuster died in his home in Southern California after complications arising from Parkinson's disease, as confirmed by his family. With a career that began in the early 1970s in Africa, Shuster quickly established himself as a dedicated and passionate journalist. He ventured into reporting on the Angolan civil war and extensively traveled throughout the region as a reporter for Liberation News Service.

In 1980, Shuster joined NPR and went on to file more than 3,000 stories, making him a true veteran in the field. His coverage extended to major conflicts such as the Gulf wars, the Bosnian civil war, the war in Kosovo, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Shuster's work also encompassed important diplomatic issues like nuclear nonproliferation, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and the Pacific Rim.

Notably, Shuster became renowned for his frequent trips to Iran, where he reported on various significant events including the Iranian election of 2009 and the ensuing protests. His extensive knowledge and in-depth reporting on the Shi'ite faith and its impact on Western society in his series "The Partisans of Ali" set a new benchmark for comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the Islamic religion.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Shuster garnered numerous awards for his exceptional reporting. These accolades include being part of the NPR News team that received a Peabody Award for their coverage of 9/11 and its aftermath. He was also recognized with Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for the Iraq War and the Gulf War, and received honors from the Overseas Press Club and the SAJA Journalism Award for his outstanding contributions.

After retiring from NPR in 2013, Shuster remained an active producer and writer, embarking on various projects. He created "The Great War Project," a website, blog, and podcast that delved into the history and lasting impacts of World War I. Additionally, Shuster served on the President's World War I Centennial Commission and was a senior fellow at UCLA's Burkle Center for International Relations.

Mike Shuster is survived by his longtime partner, Stephanie Boyd, his brother Lee Shuster, and his nephew Cory Shuster and niece Amanda Shuster. Born on July 7, 1947, in Philadelphia to Morris Merle Shuster and Beatrice Ritta Gerber Shuster, his legacy as a trailblazing journalist and his significant contributions to the field will be remembered for years to come.

The news of Mike Shuster's passing has left the journalism community mourning the loss of a remarkable individual who had dedicated his life to covering the world's most critical events. His legacy as a tenacious and perceptive journalist will continue to inspire future generations.