Middle East Crisis

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

Trump gestures with his arms out wide behind a sculpture that reads "PEACE 2025."
Trump gestures with his arms out wide behind a sculpture that reads "PEACE 2025."

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.

Palestinian youths celebrate the news of a cease-fire deal outside Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 9.
Palestinian youths celebrate the news of a cease-fire deal outside Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 9.

One Question Looming Over the Gaza Deal: Why Now?

An outline of the agreement had been on the table for months.

A man is seen sitting in rubble in Gaza with destroyed buildings in the background.
A man is seen sitting in rubble in Gaza with destroyed buildings in the background.

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

Trump holds up a finger as he speaks to the press, with microphones pointed at him.
Trump holds up a finger as he speaks to the press, with microphones pointed at him.

What We Can Learn From Trump’s Success in Gaza

In diplomacy, style now matters just as much as substance. This article has an audio recording

An Israeli flag hangs from a metal pole alongside loudspeakers on a beach, with dozens beachgoers playing and lounging on the edge of the sea in the background.
An Israeli flag hangs from a metal pole alongside loudspeakers on a beach, with dozens beachgoers playing and lounging on the edge of the sea in the background.

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.

Dozens of people crowd together, many with their arms raised in celebration. Closest to the camera are two boys about 8 to 12 years old, both holding up their fingers in the V-shaped peace symbols as they beam at the camera.
Dozens of people crowd together, many with their arms raised in celebration. Closest to the camera are two boys about 8 to 12 years old, both holding up their fingers in the V-shaped peace symbols as they beam at the camera.

Can Palestinians Trust Donald Trump?

Only U.S. pressure will ensure that Israel honors the Gaza cease-fire.

A road is clogged with a vast mass of people stretching to the horizon. On one side is the sea on the other is devastation from the war in Gaza.
A road is clogged with a vast mass of people stretching to the horizon. On one side is the sea on the other is devastation from the war in Gaza.

Two Years After Oct. 7, a Trail of What-Ifs

Decisions made early on set the path for a devastating war. This article has an audio recording

Iran-Israel Tensions

Men work inside an uranium conversion facility in Iran.
Men work inside an uranium conversion facility in Iran.

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.

Participants place radiation signs during a simulated nuclear emergency drill in Tehran on November 5, 2015.
Participants place radiation signs during a simulated nuclear emergency drill in Tehran on November 5, 2015.

Iran’s Collapse Could Cause a Nuclear Security Nightmare

Washington would struggle to secure dangerous materials, technologies, and expertise.

The late Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, speaks during a memorial service beneath portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hasssan Nasrallah, Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and Nasrallah's successor, Hashem Safieddine, at the Grand Mosque in Tehran on Feb. 23.
The late Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, speaks during a memorial service beneath portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hasssan Nasrallah, Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, and Nasrallah's successor, Hashem Safieddine, at the Grand Mosque in Tehran on Feb. 23.

Iran Is Islamism’s Last Lifeline in the Middle East

Without support from a weakened Tehran, the region’s extremist movements would wither.

Smoke rises over several buildings.
Smoke rises over several buildings.

The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming

Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.

Israel and Hezbollah

Fire and tear gas smoke rise among a crowd in Beirut.
Fire and tear gas smoke rise among a crowd in Beirut.

Hezbollah Is Weak Enough for Lebanon to Finally Disarm It

The government and army are taking back their own country.

A man in a vest holds a cable attached to a spool on the ground. Behind him are shrubs and a blue sky.
A man in a vest holds a cable attached to a spool on the ground. Behind him are shrubs and a blue sky.

Lebanon’s Demining Mission Faces Aid Uncertainty

Cuts to foreign assistance and a fragile cease-fire have made the urgent work more dangerous.

Lebanese celebrate the nomination of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut, on Jan. 13.
Lebanese celebrate the nomination of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut, on Jan. 13.

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.

Mourners surround the flag-draped coffins of Hezbollah fighters who were killed in the recent war with Israel, during a funeral procession in the southern Lebanese village of Majdal Selm on Dec. 6.
Mourners surround the flag-draped coffins of Hezbollah fighters who were killed in the recent war with Israel, during a funeral procession in the southern Lebanese village of Majdal Selm on Dec. 6.

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

President Donald J. Trump participates in an arrival ceremony at the Amiri Diwan, the official workplace of the emir, on May 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.
President Donald J. Trump participates in an arrival ceremony at the Amiri Diwan, the official workplace of the emir, on May 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

America’s Accidental New Military Ally

The Trump administration has made an unprecedentedly sloppy security guarantee to Qatar.

Plume of smoke rise into a blue sky following an explosion from a row of low and midrise buildings, several with industrial smokestacks, several without. A road a the bottom of the image heads toward the town, with a car and a person on a motorbike heading in that direction.
Plume of smoke rise into a blue sky following an explosion from a row of low and midrise buildings, several with industrial smokestacks, several without. A road a the bottom of the image heads toward the town, with a car and a person on a motorbike heading in that direction.

Ankara’s New Syrian Headache

Toppling Assad didn’t solve Turkey’s problems—it made them worse.

A man in military garb, including face covering and helmet, stands with a gun and wears a string of jasmine in front of a crowd holding flags.
A man in military garb, including face covering and helmet, stands with a gun and wears a string of jasmine in front of a crowd holding flags.

How Israel’s Strikes on the Houthis Will Change Yemen

For years, the group has relied on the perception that it is untouchable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shake hands in Moscow on October 15.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shake hands in Moscow on October 15.

Buying the Hatchet

How arms deals are helping Sharaa to make up with Moscow.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Pres. Bill Clinton (C) w. (L-R) Mideast peaceniks King Hussein, PM Rabin, PLO chmn. Arafat & Pres. Mubarak in WH Rose Garden for Israeli-Palestinian accord signing.    (Photo by Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)
Pres. Bill Clinton (C) w. (L-R) Mideast peaceniks King Hussein, PM Rabin, PLO chmn. Arafat & Pres. Mubarak in WH Rose Garden for Israeli-Palestinian accord signing. (Photo by Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)

Why the Oslo Peace Process Failed

And what it means for future negotiators.

Hussein al-Sheikh attends the funeral of former Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Hussein al-Sheikh attends the funeral of former Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

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? This article has an audio recording

A Palestinian is seen from behind as they look outside through a large broken window. Some shards of fractured glass remain in the frame, but the rest of the opening reveals dark smoke billowing from a dense street of buildings in Gaza City. The sky is otherwise light but hazy.
A Palestinian is seen from behind as they look outside through a large broken window. Some shards of fractured glass remain in the frame, but the rest of the opening reveals dark smoke billowing from a dense street of buildings in Gaza City. The sky is otherwise light but hazy.
A child is silhouetted as he walks across a pile of rubble while carrying a flag.
A child is silhouetted as he walks across a pile of rubble while carrying a flag.

Latest Stories

Two young children squat on the ground between rows of canvas tents, facing each other as they play in the sand. They sit in the shadows of one of the tents, but the sunlight strikes brightly on the tents beyond them.
Two young children squat on the ground between rows of canvas tents, facing each other as they play in the sand. They sit in the shadows of one of the tents, but the sunlight strikes brightly on the tents beyond them.

Rapid U.S. Action Could Break the Cycle of Violence in Gaza

Washington must take creative and daring steps to mitigate human suffering and plant the seeds for a post-Hamas future.

A person walks through the rubble of the Palestinian Legislative Council building
A person walks through the rubble of the Palestinian Legislative Council building

Will Gaza Ever Have Elections Again?

Palestinian democracy is battered—but potentially resilient.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather in front of the White House on Jan. 13.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather in front of the White House on Jan. 13.

The West Is Losing Muslim Liberals

Indifference to Palestinian suffering in Gaza is alienating moderates across the Islamic world and tarnishing the appeal of liberal democratic values.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
A dozen or so tiny figures are scattered across a bulldozed dirt landscape, picking their way around the rubble of a leveled building in the foreground. Devastated mid-rise towers stand in ruins in the distance with their windows blown out.
A dozen or so tiny figures are scattered across a bulldozed dirt landscape, picking their way around the rubble of a leveled building in the foreground. Devastated mid-rise towers stand in ruins in the distance with their windows blown out.

The Devastation of Gaza Was Inevitable

Urban warfare has always been brutal for civilians—and the war against Hamas was destined to be an extreme case.

Joe Biden wipes away a tear as he speaks after receiving an endorsement from U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) on Feb. 26, 2020 in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Joe Biden wipes away a tear as he speaks after receiving an endorsement from U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) on Feb. 26, 2020 in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Is Biden’s Gaza Policy Alienating Black Voters?

Washington’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict appears to be hurting the president’s credibility among African Americans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speak during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Tel Aviv. Israeli and U.S. flags hang in the foreground.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speak during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Tel Aviv. Israeli and U.S. flags hang in the foreground.
A man waring scrubs and holding a book walks through a damaged room at Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. A hole is seen in one wall and bedding, beds, and other equipment are tossed about the space.
A man waring scrubs and holding a book walks through a damaged room at Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. A hole is seen in one wall and bedding, beds, and other equipment are tossed about the space.

Destroying Gaza’s Health Care System Is a War Crime

The ICC should prosecute Israelis responsible for bombing hospitals, denying access to medicines and vaccines, and causing excessive civilian harm.

Benjamin Netanyahu stands between two Israeli flags in front of a microphone wearing a black suit with an Israel flag pin, blue shirt and red tie.
Benjamin Netanyahu stands between two Israeli flags in front of a microphone wearing a black suit with an Israel flag pin, blue shirt and red tie.

Is Netanyahu Cornered?

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister faces the test of his political life.

The shells of burned cars are seen in front of the separation wall on the Palestinian side of the divided neighborhood of Abu Dis, Jerusalem.
The shells of burned cars are seen in front of the separation wall on the Palestinian side of the divided neighborhood of Abu Dis, Jerusalem.

The Two-State Solution Is a Recipe for Carnage

Washington’s favorite prescription for Israeli-Palestinian peace risks unleashing a wave of interethnic violence unseen since the partition of India and Pakistan.

U.S. President Joe Biden watches as an Army team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. Breonna Moffett at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Feb. 2. Moffett was one of three members of the U.S. military killed in a drone strike in Jordan.
U.S. President Joe Biden watches as an Army team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. Breonna Moffett at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Feb. 2. Moffett was one of three members of the U.S. military killed in a drone strike in Jordan.

Biden Walks a Fine Line With Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Militants

The U.S. hit more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria—but not Iran itself.

Dozens of women, wearing a mix of Jewish and Muslim scarves on their heads and shoulders, stand on a hill overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.
Dozens of women, wearing a mix of Jewish and Muslim scarves on their heads and shoulders, stand on a hill overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem.

Men Alone Cannot Build a Durable Peace in the Middle East

Israeli and Palestinian women’s organizations have a rich history of political engagement. This article has an audio recording

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud as the two man stand in front of a set of risers before a photo op at a diplomatic event hosted in an ornately decorated room in Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud as the two man stand in front of a set of risers before a photo op at a diplomatic event hosted in an ornately decorated room in Beijing.

How China Is Leveraging the Israel-Hamas War

The growing divide between Washington and the global south is playing out in Beijing’s favor.

Armed soldiers walk among shoppers at the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.
Armed soldiers walk among shoppers at the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem.

The End of Prosperity in Israel

For decades, the quality of life had been rising for most Israelis—until Oct. 7.

A woman wearing a headscarf holds hands with a man as they walk past a destroyed building in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. The man looks back over his shoulder at the devastated scene.
A woman wearing a headscarf holds hands with a man as they walk past a destroyed building in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. The man looks back over his shoulder at the devastated scene.

Retribution in the Israel-Hamas War

On the role of atrocities and their retelling in identitarian conflict.

The words PALESTINA LIBRE are painted on a car.
The words PALESTINA LIBRE are painted on a car.

What Does Latin America Think About the Israel-Hamas War?

Many countries are spurning Israel. But the region’s Middle East stance has always been nuanced.

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