Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.

Meet the New Middle East, Same as the Old Middle East
Everything has changed in the region, and nothing is different.

Only Trump Can Save Israel from Its Own Government
Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza is a catastrophe for all.

What Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?
After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.

The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel-Hamas War

Could Images of the Famine in Gaza Change Israeli Public Opinion?
A newscast showing starving children prompted sympathy—and criticism.

Israel Isn’t a Hegemon Yet, But It’s Now a Revisionist Power
Netanyahu is seeking to remake the Middle East by force.

Biden’s Team Lied About Gaza. It’s Time to Hold Them Accountable.
Impunity for abetting war crimes weakens U.S. democracy.

Why Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even Harmful
Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.
Iran-Israel Tensions

Strikes on Iran Show the Force, and Limits, of Airpower
Technical dominance can’t compel regime change.

Iran’s Collapse Could Cause a Nuclear Security Nightmare
Washington would struggle to secure dangerous materials, technologies, and expertise.

Iran Is Islamism’s Last Lifeline in the Middle East
Without support from a weakened Tehran, the region’s extremist movements would wither.

Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
No one wants a long war, and doing nothing was no longer an option.
Israel and Hezbollah

Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their country.

Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty
Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.

Surprisingly, the Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire Is Holding
Notwithstanding continued exchanges, the agreement is functioning and appears durable.

Lebanon’s Success Depends on Sidelining Hezbollah
The new government in Beirut is the country’s best chance for reform in years—but support from Washington and Riyadh will be crucial.
Global Reactions

Can a ‘New’ Middle East Survive the ‘Old’?
To achieve regional progress, Arab leaders need to rethink the importance of resolving the Palestine question once and for all.

The Middle East’s Next Aftershocks
The Trump administration will find it hard to disengage from a region still being reshaped by the effects of Oct. 7.

Trump Has Leverage With Syria’s Neighbors—Here’s How He Should Use It
U.S. pressure on Israel and Turkey could help stabilize Syria.

Can the Gulf’s Iran Policy Survive the War?
Israel and the Gulf have rival visions for Iran’s role in the region. Now Washington has to pick one.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Why the Oslo Peace Process Failed
And what it means for future negotiators.

The Palestinian Leader Who Survived the Death of Palestine
What would it mean for Hussein al-Sheikh to lead a people whose dream of independence is no longer alive?

How Will This War End? How Can the Next One be Prevented?
FP asks experts two questions about the fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

All the Palestinians Got From Oslo Was KFC
Thirty years of the peace process has left us with less land and fewer rights.
Latest Stories

What Columbia’s Protests Reveal About America
Some politicians have called student protesters a threat. Instead, they are providing us all with an education in democracy.

Israel Is Desperate to Replace Palestinian Farmhands
Newly arrived Indian workers say abuse is common.

U.S. Fixation on Nuclear Deal Let Iran Loose on the Middle East
Washington’s shortsighted policies enabled Tehran and its proxies to destabilize the region.

Why Aren’t We Talking More About the Famine in Gaza?
Israel-Iran tensions should not distract us from the suffering of Palestinians.

How Much Leverage Does China Really Have Over Iran?
Washington wants Beijing to rein in Tehran, but experts say it’s not that simple.

Iran Shrugs off Israeli Strike, Allaying Escalation Fears—for Now
Experts say the attack was designed to showcase Israel’s capabilities without further provoking Tehran.

Why Arab States Haven’t Broken With Israel
Arabs across the region are angry, but regimes can’t afford to sever ties.

Iran’s Nuclear Crisis Has No Military Solution
Whether Tehran weaponizes its program remains tied to threat perceptions by political leadership.

Can Israel Harness Its Rare Moment of Regional Support?
Israel has launched a diplomatic offensive to further isolate Iran after its attack.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks Against Israel
The strikes mark perhaps the most dangerous moment in the Middle East in recent years.

The Economics of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Will Palestinians ever recover from the famine and destruction?

Israel Is Facing an Iraq-like Quagmire
Six months in, there’s still no plan for after the war, U.S. officials say.

How a Culture Shift in the Israeli Military Helps Explain Gaza’s Death Toll
An execution, a prosecution, and then a backlash.

How to Get More Aid Into Gaza
A joint international task force could quickly mobilize an emergency system to clear shipments through the Rafah border crossing.

Israel Escalates Shadow War Against Iran
An airstrike in Damascus kills a top Iranian IRGC commander.

Don’t Give Up on UNRWA
The agency, which goes to great lengths to remain neutral, is Palestinians’ only hope.