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 Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?
After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.
Could Images of the Famine in Gaza Change Israeli Public Opinion?
A newscast showing starving children prompted sympathy—and criticism.
The Dangers of Weaponizing Antisemitism
As Gaza faces more death and starvation, criticism of Israel is needed more than ever.
Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
No one wants a long war, and doing nothing was no longer an option.
Israel and Syria Should Prioritize Security Cooperation
Pushing too hard for a peace deal could come at the expense of more pragmatic action against shared threats.
Israel Is Sowing Chaos to Secure Displacement in Gaza
By making Gaza unlivable, Netanyahu has laid the groundwork for ethnic cleansing.
The News Cycle Is No Excuse for Ignoring Gaza
Don’t let the attention economy distract you from recognizing the catastrophe in Gaza.
The Lessons of Osirak for Israel and Iran
The 1981 strike on an Iraqi reactor jolted Baghdad’s nuclear program into high gear.
Less Gloating and More Diplomacy Are Needed to Heal the Middle East
In D.C. visit, Netanyahu is expected to toast Trump for U.S. attack on Iran.
For Netanyahu, Another Term as Israel’s Leader?
He’s hoping the Iran war will erase the stain of Oct. 7.
Don’t Let a Fake Victory Forestall Real Peace
Trump’s misplaced faith in the efficacy of the Iran attacks will bring more war.
Did Trump Just Lift Sanctions on Iranian Oil?
Ignoring Tehran’s oil shipments has been informal policy for years. What if Washington made it official?
Why Russia Is Sitting Out This Round of the Israel-Iran Conflict
As Putin’s dependence on Iran decreases, he seeks to maintain ties with Tehran’s regional rivals.
How the U.S. Locked Itself Into a Regime Change War
Trump’s insistence on zero enrichment was a poison pill in talks with Iran.
Trump Enraged as Iran-Israel Cease-Fire Wobbles
Israel accused Iran of violating the truce hours after agreeing to it.
Trump’s Iran Strikes Intensify War Powers Debate
The Trump administration did not give Congress advance warning of the attack, prompting outcry from Democrats and some Republicans.