Middle East Crisis

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

 

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 black SUV is seen in the foreground as smoke billows from behind buildings in the background.
A black SUV is seen in the foreground as smoke billows from behind buildings in the background.

Israel Escalates War Against Hamas With Doha Strike

Qatar decried the strike as a violation of international law.

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-Hamas War

Samuel Zbogar, the head of the Slovenian mission to the United Nations Security Council, speaks to the press alongside other U.N. representatives ahead of a Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Aug. 10.
Samuel Zbogar, the head of the Slovenian mission to the United Nations Security Council, speaks to the press alongside other U.N. representatives ahead of a Security Council emergency meeting on Gaza at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Aug. 10.

What Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?

After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.

A heavily damaged building can be seen with a Syria flag nearby.
A heavily damaged building can be seen with a Syria flag nearby.
Moaz Abu Taha and Mariam Abu Dagga, who were killed by Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital on Aug. 25, take a selfie in Gaza on Jan. 18.
Moaz Abu Taha and Mariam Abu Dagga, who were killed by Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital on Aug. 25, take a selfie in Gaza on Jan. 18.

Why Israel’s War in Gaza Has Been So Deadly for Journalists

Israel is directly targeting media workers, rights groups warn.

Four people stand while holding a banner that reads Gaza: Action Not Words. On the banner the names of thousands of children who have died as a result of the war.
Four people stand while holding a banner that reads Gaza: Action Not Words. On the banner the names of thousands of children who have died as a result of the war.

Why Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even Harmful

Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.

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.

A view of the destruction at Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike on June 23, viewed on July 1.
A view of the destruction at Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike on June 23, viewed on July 1.

What the War Changed Inside Iran

The regime has been pushed to the edge of strategic pivot.

Israel and Hezbollah

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.

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.

Hezbollah supporters chant slogans during a protest against a planned visit of a U.S. envoy to south Lebanon.
Hezbollah supporters chant slogans during a protest against a planned visit of a U.S. envoy to south Lebanon.

Washington Has One Chance to Help Disarm Hezbollah

As Lebanon moves to confront the country’s most dangerous militia, U.S. support will be vital.

Regional Dynamics

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on August 26, 2019.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on August 26, 2019.

In the Middle East, a Cold War Redux?

China and the U.S. are competing for influence in the troubled region. This article has an audio recording

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.

Sharaa sits in an ornately decorated armchair with his hands folded in his lap. He is in his young 40s, wearing a suit and a beard. Barrack, an older bald man who also wears a suit, sits in another armchair at a diagonal. They face small low tables with water glasses on them; a Syrian flag hangs in the corner.
Sharaa sits in an ornately decorated armchair with his hands folded in his lap. He is in his young 40s, wearing a suit and a beard. Barrack, an older bald man who also wears a suit, sits in another armchair at a diagonal. They face small low tables with water glasses on them; a Syrian flag hangs in the corner.

Qué Sharaa, Sharaa

With concrete steps, Washington can keep Syria’s future on track.

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 Palestinian man carries his child to cross a roadblock in the West Bank city of Hebron in 2003. Rubble fills the land he walks across and barbed wire coils in front of him. A woman with a head covering follows behind them.
A Palestinian man carries his child to cross a roadblock in the West Bank city of Hebron in 2003. Rubble fills the land he walks across and barbed wire coils in front of him. A woman with a head covering follows behind them.

All the Palestinians Got From Oslo Was KFC

Thirty years of the peace process has left us with less land and fewer rights.

Latest Stories

Israeli forces patrol a deserted road in Tulkarem during a raid on the occupied West Bank city.
Israeli forces patrol a deserted road in Tulkarem during a raid on the occupied West Bank city.

What to Expect from Israel’s Rafah Offensive

Israeli troops would face a battle-hardened enemy while trying to get tens of thousands of civilians out of the way.

A Palestinian man sits on a piece of rubble beneath a blue sky with his head cradled in his hand as he waits for news about his missing daughter. In the background, rescue workers climb a stack of debris from a collapsed building as they search for survivors.
A Palestinian man sits on a piece of rubble beneath a blue sky with his head cradled in his hand as he waits for news about his missing daughter. In the background, rescue workers climb a stack of debris from a collapsed building as they search for survivors.

When AI Decides Who Lives and Dies

The Israeli military’s algorithmic targeting has created dangerous new precedents.

People with Free Palestine posters walk past a campus gate that reads "PRESENTED BY THE CLASS OF 1929"
People with Free Palestine posters walk past a campus gate that reads "PRESENTED BY THE CLASS OF 1929"

What Columbia’s Protests Reveal About America

Some politicians have called student protesters a threat. Instead, they are providing us all with an education in democracy. This article has an audio recording

A worker picks fruit at a farm at the Malkia kibbutz.
A worker picks fruit at a farm at the Malkia kibbutz.

Israel Is Desperate to Replace Palestinian Farmhands

Newly arrived Indian workers say abuse is common.

Then-U.S. President Barack Obama, standing with then-Vice President Joe Biden, holds a press conference about the Iran nuclear deal at the White House in Washington on July 14, 2015.
Then-U.S. President Barack Obama, standing with then-Vice President Joe Biden, holds a press conference about the Iran nuclear deal at the White House in Washington on July 14, 2015.

U.S. Fixation on Nuclear Deal Let Iran Loose on the Middle East

Washington’s shortsighted policies enabled Tehran and its proxies to destabilize the region.

Children with dirt on their faces reach out through bars with large bowls.
Children with dirt on their faces reach out through bars with large bowls.

Why Aren’t We Talking More About the Famine in Gaza?

Israel-Iran tensions should not distract us from the suffering of Palestinians.

Newspapers in Tehran feature news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties.
Newspapers in Tehran feature news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties.

How Much Leverage Does China Really Have Over Iran?

Washington wants Beijing to rein in Tehran, but experts say it’s not that simple.

People gather for a picnic under a bridge in Iran's central city of Isfahan, after a reported Israeli strike in the area.
People gather for a picnic under a bridge in Iran's central city of Isfahan, after a reported Israeli strike in the area.

Iran Shrugs off Israeli Strike, Allaying Escalation Fears—for Now

Experts say the attack was designed to showcase Israel’s capabilities without further provoking Tehran.

Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the “Gate of Peace” at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, with the Israeli flag flying over the Israeli side of the border.
Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the “Gate of Peace” at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, with the Israeli flag flying over the Israeli side of the border.

Why Arab States Haven’t Broken With Israel

Arabs across the region are angry, but regimes can’t afford to sever ties. This article has an audio recording

Iranians visit Azadi Square in Tehran.
Iranians visit Azadi Square in Tehran.

Iran’s Nuclear Crisis Has No Military Solution

Whether Tehran weaponizes its program remains tied to threat perceptions by political leadership.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, shows a video of Iranian missiles being intercepted over Al-Aqsa Mosque during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, shows a video of Iranian missiles being intercepted over Al-Aqsa Mosque during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Can Israel Harness Its Rare Moment of Regional Support?

Israel has launched a diplomatic offensive to further isolate Iran after its attack.

Israel’s war cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (third from left), holds a meeting to discuss the drone attack launched by Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 14.
Israel’s war cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (third from left), holds a meeting to discuss the drone attack launched by Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 14.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks Against Israel

The strikes mark perhaps the most dangerous moment in the Middle East in recent years.

Displaced Palestinian children pose for photos standing in front of makeshift tents at a camp beside a street in Rafah.
Displaced Palestinian children pose for photos standing in front of makeshift tents at a camp beside a street in Rafah.

The Economics of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Will Palestinians ever recover from the famine and destruction?

Palestinians start to return to their homes amid destruction after Israel’s withdrawal in Khan Younis, Gaza.
Palestinians start to return to their homes amid destruction after Israel’s withdrawal in Khan Younis, Gaza.

Israel Is Facing an Iraq-like Quagmire

Six months in, there’s still no plan for after the war, U.S. officials say.

People gather near a car used by the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen, which was hit by an Israeli strike the previous day.
People gather near a car used by the U.S.-based aid group World Central Kitchen, which was hit by an Israeli strike the previous day.
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid make their way along a street in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 10.
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid make their way along a street in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 10.

How to Get More Aid Into Gaza

A joint international task force could quickly mobilize an emergency system to clear shipments through the Rafah border crossing.

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