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

A man rides his moped past a billboard bearing portraits of slain leaders, Ismail Haniyeh of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Iranian Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr on the main road near the Beirut International Airport on August 3, 2024.
A man rides his moped past a billboard bearing portraits of slain leaders, Ismail Haniyeh of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Iranian Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr on the main road near the Beirut International Airport on August 3, 2024.

Can Israel Really Deter Hezbollah?

Even in far-reaching scenarios, Lebanon won’t easily turn on Shia militia.

The sihouette of Palestinian children overlook a camp for displaced people in Rafah.
The sihouette of Palestinian children overlook a camp for displaced people in Rafah.

How 100,000 Palestinians Are Surviving in Egypt Without Refugee Status

Even after buying their way out of Gaza, Palestinians remain vulnerable.

A man clears rubble from a building hit during Israeli bombardment in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip.
A man clears rubble from a building hit during Israeli bombardment in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip.

The Existential Fears Driving Israel’s Aggressive Military Action

Israelis believed their country’s survival was no longer in question. Not anymore.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Strait of Hormuz as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the flight deck on Nov. 19, 2019.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Strait of Hormuz as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the flight deck on Nov. 19, 2019.

America’s Middle East Defense Rests on Aircraft Carriers

They have big guns, fighter jets, and are hard to kill—with Iran’s weapons, at least.

A crowd of people are seen from behind, dimly lit, as they watch a speech from a Hezbollah leader delivered via a large screen. The nearest spectator holds a fist in the air toward the bearded man onscreen, who speaks in front of a bright red background.
A crowd of people are seen from behind, dimly lit, as they watch a speech from a Hezbollah leader delivered via a large screen. The nearest spectator holds a fist in the air toward the bearded man onscreen, who speaks in front of a bright red background.

Does Israel’s Conflict with Hezbollah Have an Endgame?

The group would remain a threat to Israel even after a war.

Iranians wave national flags and hold photos of slain Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Iranians wave national flags and hold photos of slain Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

What Iran Might Do Next

As the Middle East braces for further escalation, what are Tehran’s options?

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas protest at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. One holds a sign reading, "Hostage deal now."
Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas protest at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. One holds a sign reading, "Hostage deal now."

Israel’s Chances of Getting Hostages Back Are Fading

Most Israelis want a deal, including the generals. Not Netanyahu.

An Iranian woman holds a poster displaying Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other figures whose deaths have been blamed on Israel, during a funeral procession for Haniyeh in Tehran on August 1.
An Iranian woman holds a poster displaying Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other figures whose deaths have been blamed on Israel, during a funeral procession for Haniyeh in Tehran on August 1.

The Iranian Intelligence Failure Behind the Haniyeh Assassination

Israel’s ability to strike at the heart of the regime will lead to purges and paranoia.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (left) transits the Strait of Hormuz alongside the USS Farragut and the U.K. Royal Navy's HMS Defender.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier (left) transits the Strait of Hormuz alongside the USS Farragut and the U.K. Royal Navy's HMS Defender.

The Already Stretched U.S. Military Prepares to Defend Israel

“We are not building a military that can handle three theaters simultaneously,” one expert said.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (R) meets with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (L) at the Pentagon in Washington on June 25.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (R) meets with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (L) at the Pentagon in Washington on June 25.

Why Americans and Israelis Don’t See Eye to Eye on Iran

The lack of a formal security pact with the United States encourages Israel to gamble and risk escalation.

An Israeli Air Force fighter jet flies over the border area of northern Israel with south Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.
An Israeli Air Force fighter jet flies over the border area of northern Israel with south Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.
People hold up a Palestinian flag and a portrait of assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh during a rally in Tehran.
People hold up a Palestinian flag and a portrait of assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh during a rally in Tehran.
A billboard shows a picture of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
A billboard shows a picture of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

Could Iranians Have Been Involved in Haniyeh’s Killing?

The assassination of the Hamas political leader points to public dissatisfaction with the regime in Tehran.

Hezbollah members attend the funerals of fellow fighters in Aita al-Chaab, Lebanon.
Hezbollah members attend the funerals of fellow fighters in Aita al-Chaab, Lebanon.
Smoke billows from a site targeted by the Israeli military in the southern Lebanese border village of Kafr Kila on July 29.
Smoke billows from a site targeted by the Israeli military in the southern Lebanese border village of Kafr Kila on July 29.

The Road to Israel-Hezbollah Peace Runs Through Gaza

The risk of full-scale war in Israel’s north could be vastly reduced by a cease-fire in the south.

U.S. President Joe Biden sits with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of an Israeli war cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18.
U.S. President Joe Biden sits with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of an Israeli war cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18.

Netanyahu Speech Sharpens Democrats’ Israel Divide

Some Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott the Israeli leader’s address to Congress.

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