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
Israel Conducts Deadly Strikes in Gaza
The fragile cease-fire is once again at risk of collapsing amid fresh Israeli airstrikes.
The Difficult Art of Bibi-Sitting
The Trump administration is working to uphold the fragile Gaza cease-fire.
Europe’s Unlikely Capital of the Palestinian Solidarity Movement
How Naples became a bastion of pro-Palestinian activism on the continent.
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.
Trump Takes a Victory Lap in Israel
The U.S. president addressed the Knesset after Hamas released the last remaining living hostages.
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.
The U.S. Deploys 200 Troops to Israel Amid Gaza Cease-Fire
The force will help coordinate humanitarian aid and security but won’t enter Gaza.
You Already Know What ‘Sumud’ Means
Despite its Palestinian specificity, the word reveals universal truths.
The Biggest Hurdles to the Next Phase of Trump’s Gaza Deal
Major issues like Hamas’s disarmament remain unresolved.
One Question Looming Over the Gaza Deal: Why Now?
An outline of the agreement had been on the table for months.
How Oct. 7 Changed the Israeli Media
Many journalists feel it’s not their role to show Palestinian suffering.
What We Do and Don’t Know About Trump’s Israel-Hamas Deal
There is cautious optimism for an agreement, but many outstanding details remain unresolved.
Netanyahu Faces Icy Reception at UNGA
The Israeli prime minister was met with protests both inside and outside of U.N. headquarters.
Israel Is Orchestrating an Economic Collapse in the West Bank
Job losses are only one factor in the equation driving its financial decline.
Israel’s Regional War
The Israeli military has now bombed several countries in addition to its assault on Gaza.
Israel Escalates War Against Hamas With Doha Strike
Qatar decried the strike as a violation of international law.