Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.
As the War in Gaza Winds Down, the West Bank Is a Flash Point
If Trump wants peace, he must block Israel’s annexationist policies.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Is Not as Successful as You Think
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the Gaza deal proves Trump’s diplomatic chops.
One Question Looming Over the Gaza Deal: Why Now?
An outline of the agreement had been on the table for months.
Doctor in Gaza Says Cease-Fire Brings Hope but Challenges Remain
An MSF doctor talks about the dire needs in Gaza as the cease-fire begins.
Israel-Hamas War
What We Can Learn From Trump’s Success in Gaza
In diplomacy, style now matters just as much as substance.
Two Ways Oct. 7 Changed Israel and One Way It Didn’t
The impact will be felt for years, even if Trump’s peace plan succeeds.
Can Palestinians Trust Donald Trump?
Only U.S. pressure will ensure that Israel honors the Gaza cease-fire.
Two Years After Oct. 7, a Trail of What-Ifs
Decisions made early on set the path for a devastating war.
Iran-Israel Tensions
There’s More Than One Way to Build a Bomb
Iran doesn’t need to rebuild its damaged facilities to sprint for a nuclear weapon.
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.
The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel and Hezbollah
Hezbollah Is Weak Enough for Lebanon to Finally Disarm It
The government and army are taking back their own country.
Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty
Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.
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.
Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their country.
Regional Dynamics
America’s Accidental New Military Ally
The Trump administration has made an unprecedentedly sloppy security guarantee to Qatar.
Ankara’s New Syrian Headache
Toppling Assad didn’t solve Turkey’s problems—it made them worse.
How Israel’s Strikes on the Houthis Will Change Yemen
For years, the group has relied on the perception that it is untouchable.
Buying the Hatchet
How arms deals are helping Sharaa to make up with Moscow.
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.
How Washington’s Israel-Palestine Peace Process Theology Failed Again and Again
Trump’s plan is just the latest example.
Latest Stories
What to Expect from Israel’s Rafah Offensive
Israeli troops would face a battle-hardened enemy while trying to get tens of thousands of civilians out of the way.
When AI Decides Who Lives and Dies
The Israeli military’s algorithmic targeting has created dangerous new precedents.
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.