Middle East Crisis

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

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich displays a map of an area near the settlement of Maale Adumim, a land corridor known as E1, outside Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich displays a map of an area near the settlement of Maale Adumim, a land corridor known as E1, outside Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank.
Spanish soldiers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stand guard at the entrance of their base near the southern Lebanese village of Taibeh, 18 September 2006.
Spanish soldiers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stand guard at the entrance of their base near the southern Lebanese village of Taibeh, 18 September 2006.

The Desperate Search for Gaza Peacekeepers

Most of the world seems very eager to avoid joining the territory’s international stabilization force.

Two men hold up clear boxes. One looks through the box, another tilts it on its side. In front of them is a dais with a microphone. Behind them red drapes.
Two men hold up clear boxes. One looks through the box, another tilts it on its side. In front of them is a dais with a microphone. Behind them red drapes.

Sharaa’s Democratic Test

The Syrian president, who visits the White House on Monday, just oversaw his first election.

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 municipal worker hoists flags of various countries near Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport on Oct. 11.
A municipal worker hoists flags of various countries near Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport on Oct. 11.

Can the Gulf Rebuild the Middle East?

Despite many threats, the Gulf states have emerged with structural advantages that could reshape the region.

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 motorcycle cart carries people and belongings along a dirt road in central Gaza.
A motorcycle cart carries people and belongings along a dirt road in central Gaza.

Trump Could Put Gaza on a Better Path With One Tweet

He says he wants to end the war—his Gaza Riviera plan is prolonging it.

Israeli troops work on their armored vehicles near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on May 18.
Israeli troops work on their armored vehicles near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on May 18.

Families of Hostages Speak Out Against New Israeli Offensive in Gaza

One family member warned that the military action could “endanger the lives of the hostages.”

This handout picture provided by the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him praying inside the tomb of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Jan. 30.
This handout picture provided by the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him praying inside the tomb of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Jan. 30.

Why Khamenei Is Betting on Trump

The calculus behind Iran’s stunning reversal on a new nuclear deal.

With Jared Kushner to his left, Donald Trump listens to the rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch during a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017.
With Jared Kushner to his left, Donald Trump listens to the rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch during a visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017.

Trump Isn’t Following the Script on Israel

In dealing with Netanyahu, the U.S. president appears to actually be living up to his campaign slogan to put America first.

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.
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