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

Palestinian children peek out of holes in their tent at a makeshift displacement camp set up amid building rubble in Gaza City on May 12.
Palestinian children peek out of holes in their tent at a makeshift displacement camp set up amid building rubble in Gaza City on May 12.
People wave Palestinian and Jordanian flags and chant slogans as they march during a demonstration in solidarity with Gaza near the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 15, 2023.
People wave Palestinian and Jordanian flags and chant slogans as they march during a demonstration in solidarity with Gaza near the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 15, 2023.

Israeli Attacks on Syria Risk Destabilizing Jordan

King Abdullah II faces backlash against his country’s peace deal with Israel.

"Stop the War" is written across a woman's hands, crossed above her head, at a rally in Tel Aviv.
"Stop the War" is written across a woman's hands, crossed above her head, at a rally in Tel Aviv.
Trump and Netanyahu stand shoulder to shoulder as they pose for media. Netanyahu smiles slightly; Trump has a serious expression and gestures with one hand. The hood of a vehicle with a small American flag displayed on it is visible in the foreground
Trump and Netanyahu stand shoulder to shoulder as they pose for media. Netanyahu smiles slightly; Trump has a serious expression and gestures with one hand. The hood of a vehicle with a small American flag displayed on it is visible in the foreground
Israeli military tanks positioned along Israel’s southern border with the northern Gaza Strip on March 19.
Israeli military tanks positioned along Israel’s southern border with the northern Gaza Strip on March 19.

Is Israel Preparing for a Long-term Occupation of Gaza?

Palestinian American peace activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib discusses where he thinks the war is heading.

A crowd of people is seen beneath a blue sky. A woman near the front holds up a sign that says "Saving Israeli democracy" with a rainbow pinwheel attached to it.
A crowd of people is seen beneath a blue sky. A woman near the front holds up a sign that says "Saving Israeli democracy" with a rainbow pinwheel attached to it.

Proposed Laws Would Devastate Rights Groups in Israel

Netanyahu’s government is targeting their foreign funding.

Two tanks trundle along an uneven dirt path, kicking up clouds of dust into the air as they move. Tall grass and wildflowers border one side of the path; beyond it lies a few small buildings and tall metal security fences.
Two tanks trundle along an uneven dirt path, kicking up clouds of dust into the air as they move. Tall grass and wildflowers border one side of the path; beyond it lies a few small buildings and tall metal security fences.

The Old War Is Over in Gaza, and a New One Is Underway

Israel’s tactics have changed and so have its objectives.

A Lebanese Army soldier stands guard in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura after Israel's withdrawal from the area, on Jan. 7.
A Lebanese Army soldier stands guard in the southern Lebanese town of Naqura after Israel's withdrawal from the area, on Jan. 7.

Surprisingly, the Lebanon-Israel Cease-Fire Is Holding

Notwithstanding continued exchanges, the agreement is functioning and appears durable.

Palestinian journalists protest the killings of fellow reporters in Israeli strikes in Gaza City on March 25.
Palestinian journalists protest the killings of fellow reporters in Israeli strikes in Gaza City on March 25.

War in Gaza the ‘Worst Ever Conflict for Reporters’

A new report says Israel is waging an “unrelenting war on the press.”

Palestinians walk amid the rubble of buildings in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza on March 4.
Palestinians walk amid the rubble of buildings in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza on March 4.

A New Marshall Plan for Gaza

A successful Arab-led reconstruction plan requires a lasting cease-fire and full demilitarization of Hamas.

Israeli soldiers sit on a tank as it takes position in front of the northern Gaza Strip on the Israeli side of the border on March 18.
Israeli soldiers sit on a tank as it takes position in front of the northern Gaza Strip on the Israeli side of the border on March 18.

Why Did Israel Restart the War in Gaza?

The likelihood of the cease-fire being salvaged in the near future appears extremely low.

A person on a motorcycle kicks up dust as it passes through a border fence opening. Smoke is seen in the distance as people mill about on the edges of the scene.
A person on a motorcycle kicks up dust as it passes through a border fence opening. Smoke is seen in the distance as people mill about on the edges of the scene.
A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on March 4, amid the ongoing truce between Israel and Hamas.
A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on March 4, amid the ongoing truce between Israel and Hamas.

Who Will Rule Over Gaza After the War?

U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, and Egypt have all made proposals on postwar governance in the enclave.

People sit amid the ruins of a sports stadium in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza during a funeral ceremony for Hamas commander Marwan Issa on Feb. 7 2025.
People sit amid the ruins of a sports stadium in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza during a funeral ceremony for Hamas commander Marwan Issa on Feb. 7 2025.

Gaza Is the Land of No Good Options

Only an outside-the-box solution can avert the current trajectory.

Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, winners of the Best Documentary Feature award for "No Other Land," in Hollywood, California, on March 2.
Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, winners of the Best Documentary Feature award for "No Other Land," in Hollywood, California, on March 2.

Documentary on West Bank Evictions Wins Big at Oscars

An Israeli co-director of the documentary said U.S. foreign policy was blocking peace.

Lapid dressed in a black blazer and black shirt speaks at a lectern with the Israeli flag in the background.
Lapid dressed in a black blazer and black shirt speaks at a lectern with the Israeli flag in the background.

Israel’s Lapid Lays Out Alternative to Trump’s Gaza Plan

The opposition leader’s proposal would see Egypt take temporary control of the enclave and oversee its reconstruction.

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