Middle East Crisis
News, analysis, and background on the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflict between Israel and Iran and its proxies.
The War Is Over for Israel, but the Accounting Has Yet to Begin
Will voters settle the score with Bibi—or double down on him?
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.
The Desperate Search for Gaza Peacekeepers
Most of the world seems very eager to avoid joining the territory’s international stabilization force.
Sharaa’s Democratic Test
The Syrian president, who visits the White House on Monday, just oversaw his first election.
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.
Can the Gulf Rebuild the Middle East?
Despite many threats, the Gulf states have emerged with structural advantages that could reshape the region.
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
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.
Gaza Is the Land of No Good Options
Only an outside-the-box solution can avert the current trajectory.
Documentary on West Bank Evictions Wins Big at Oscars
An Israeli co-director of the documentary said U.S. foreign policy was blocking peace.
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.
Trump’s Plan to ‘Clean Out’ Gaza Could Upend Jordan
The country’s role as a regional stabilizer is at risk if it takes on more Palestinian refugees.
Good Optics But Empty Pockets
Netanyahu should lower expectations ahead of his meeting with Trump.
Israel’s UNRWA Ban, Explained
“It’s very hard to see how this is going to bring more stability to Gaza,” one expert said.
Is Turkey Breaking Its Own Oil Embargo?
As Erdogan champions the Palestinian cause, evidence suggests that his regime is facilitating support for Israel.
Will Trump Follow Through on Gaza?
Only sustained U.S. pressure on Israel and Hamas will end the war.
Will Israel’s Netanyahu Survive the Cease-Fire?
His coalition is unraveling but he has a trump card.
Hezbollah Is Waiting for Lebanon’s New Leaders
The country’s new president and prime minister have a mandate to reform the country—but do they have the power?
Qatar and U.S. Announce Gaza Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal
The Israeli leader has yet to comment on the deal, which would free 33 hostages and surge aid into Gaza.
One Question Looming Over Israel-Hamas Truce Deal—Why Now?
Biden has been pushing for an agreement for more than a year.
Why Gaza Is Israel’s Forever War
Israelis want the fighting to end but their leaders don’t.
The Case Against Benjamin Netanyahu
With leaked interrogation footage, “The Bibi Files” portrays a corrupt Israeli leader.
Why Are We Ignoring Human Rights Criticism of Israel?
Major international organizations condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza—and they’re not getting enough attention.