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 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.

Demonstrators gather near the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza to protest against a plan floated by U.S. President Donald Trump to move Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
Demonstrators gather near the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza to protest against a plan floated by U.S. President Donald Trump to move Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.

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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands next to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands next to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Good Optics But Empty Pockets

Netanyahu should lower expectations ahead of his meeting with Trump.

Residents gather around a delivery of aid boxes in Deir al-Balah in Gaza on Jan. 23.
Residents gather around a delivery of aid boxes in Deir al-Balah in Gaza on Jan. 23.

Israel’s UNRWA Ban, Explained

“It’s very hard to see how this is going to bring more stability to Gaza,” one expert said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a rally organized by his Justice and Development Party.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a rally organized by his Justice and Development Party.

Is Turkey Breaking Its Own Oil Embargo?

As Erdogan champions the Palestinian cause, evidence suggests that his regime is facilitating support for Israel.

A man holds up a sign that reads, "In Trump they trust," while another man to his left holds an Israeli flag.
A man holds up a sign that reads, "In Trump they trust," while another man to his left holds an Israeli flag.

Will Trump Follow Through on Gaza?

Only sustained U.S. pressure on Israel and Hamas will end the war.

Benjamin Netanyahu smiles slightly with his head bowed in front of a microphone as Donald Trump passes behind him, his face serious.
Benjamin Netanyahu smiles slightly with his head bowed in front of a microphone as Donald Trump passes behind him, his face serious.

Will Israel’s Netanyahu Survive the Cease-Fire?

His coalition is unraveling but he has a trump card.

Newly elected Lebanese president Joseph Aoun poses for a photograph at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on Jan. 9, 2025.
Newly elected Lebanese president Joseph Aoun poses for a photograph at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on Jan. 9, 2025.

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?

Joe Biden speaks into a microphone and gestures with his index finger as he stands at a podium decorated with the official seal of the United States. Standing on either side of him and slightly behind are Kamala Harris and Antony Blinken. All wear suits.
Joe Biden speaks into a microphone and gestures with his index finger as he stands at a podium decorated with the official seal of the United States. Standing on either side of him and slightly behind are Kamala Harris and Antony Blinken. All wear suits.

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.

Two people are silhoutted with their hands to their faces as they look over a hazy horizon toward smoke rising over Gaza.
Two people are silhoutted with their hands to their faces as they look over a hazy horizon toward smoke rising over Gaza.

One Question Looming Over Israel-Hamas Truce Deal—Why Now?

Biden has been pushing for an agreement for more than a year.

Smoke rises above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip during an Israeli army bombardment.
Smoke rises above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip during an Israeli army bombardment.

Why Gaza Is Israel’s Forever War

Israelis want the fighting to end but their leaders don’t.

Benjamin Netanyahu talks on a cell phone in the back of a vehicle, one foot up on his other knee.
Benjamin Netanyahu talks on a cell phone in the back of a vehicle, one foot up on his other knee.

The Case Against Benjamin Netanyahu

With leaked interrogation footage, “The Bibi Files” portrays a corrupt Israeli leader.

A man pulls a man on a mattress on a rubble-strewn street.
A man pulls a man on a mattress on a rubble-strewn street.

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.

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