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

A police officer wearing a uniform and hat is seen from behind as he stands guard outside the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. A police vehicle with headlights on is in front of him and lights and the roof of the soccer stadium are seen in the distance.
A police officer wearing a uniform and hat is seen from behind as he stands guard outside the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. A police vehicle with headlights on is in front of him and lights and the roof of the soccer stadium are seen in the distance.

After Hamas Attacks, Terror Threats Are on the Rise

Terror groups compete for funds and thrive on attention. That makes the world a much more dangerous place after Oct. 7.

Then-Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with senior Hamas leaders Khaled Mashal (center) and Ismail Haniyeh in Ankara on June 18, 2013.
Then-Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with senior Hamas leaders Khaled Mashal (center) and Ismail Haniyeh in Ankara on June 18, 2013.

Why Erdogan Is Unlikely to Cut Ties With Hamas

It seems that the Turkish president is once again ready to burn bridges with Israel.

A young man holds up a sign that reads “Save Gaza” in handwritten red paint. He also holds a Palestinian flag as he stands in front of the stone walls of a mosque in Cairo.
A young man holds up a sign that reads “Save Gaza” in handwritten red paint. He also holds a Palestinian flag as he stands in front of the stone walls of a mosque in Cairo.

Cairo Needs Cash and Gazans Need Shelter. Can a Deal Be Brokered?

The war has put Egypt in the spotlight—but taking in Palestinian refugees is fraught.

Family photos shared by their mother show 15-year-old Dafna Elyakim (left, smiling and holding up two fingers on each hand in V signs) and 8-year-old Ella Elyakim (wearing a tanktop and shorts, barefooted and smiling as she stands in a rocky landscape).
Family photos shared by their mother show 15-year-old Dafna Elyakim (left, smiling and holding up two fingers on each hand in V signs) and 8-year-old Ella Elyakim (wearing a tanktop and shorts, barefooted and smiling as she stands in a rocky landscape).

Israel’s Hostage Families Feel Abandoned by Israel

They feel trapped in a nightmare—and ignored by their government.

A closeup photo of Biden sitting in front of Israeli and U.S. flags looking contemplative. Netanyahu is not seen in the frame.
A closeup photo of Biden sitting in front of Israeli and U.S. flags looking contemplative. Netanyahu is not seen in the frame.

Biden’s Unquestioning Support for Israel Could Be a Costly Error

Washington’s tunnel vision risks eroding U.S. standing in the global south.

Several plumes of white smoke rise against a gray sky above a densely populated area of the Gaza Strip.
Several plumes of white smoke rise against a gray sky above a densely populated area of the Gaza Strip.

What the Use of White Phosphorus Means in Warfare

Israel’s use of the deadly chemical would violate international norms.

Abed al-Hafeez Nofal, the Palestinian ambassador to Russia, and exiled Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzook give a press conference along with other representatives of Palestinian political parties and movements in Moscow on Jan. 17, 2017.
Abed al-Hafeez Nofal, the Palestinian ambassador to Russia, and exiled Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzook give a press conference along with other representatives of Palestinian political parties and movements in Moscow on Jan. 17, 2017.

Where Does Russia Stand on the Israel-Hamas War?

Moscow may temporarily profit from the West’s focus on the Middle East, but navigating its ties in the region will be tricky.

Palestinians run across a dusty landscape through a breach in a high wire fence topped with barbed wire on the Israel-Gaza border.
Palestinians run across a dusty landscape through a breach in a high wire fence topped with barbed wire on the Israel-Gaza border.

How Israel’s Spies Failed—and Why Escalation Could Be Catastrophic

The culture of intelligence agencies paved the way for disaster. Regional war could revive the nuclear specter that haunted the world in 1973.  

(L to R) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi; Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa; U.S. President Joe Biden; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Jordan's King Abdullah II; Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani; and Kuwait's Crown Prince Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit   in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 16, 2022.
(L to R) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi; Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa; U.S. President Joe Biden; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Jordan's King Abdullah II; Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani; and Kuwait's Crown Prince Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 16, 2022.

The End of Biden’s Middle East Mirage

The administration’s regional security concept has collapsed. Does the president know it? This article has an audio recording

U.N. General Assembly President Dennis Francis reads aloud from a laptop screen while sitting at a podium desk in the U.N. meeting chamber. Francis, a middle-aged man wearing a blue suit, is also visible on a video screen hung on the wall next to a large United Nations logo.
U.N. General Assembly President Dennis Francis reads aloud from a laptop screen while sitting at a podium desk in the U.N. meeting chamber. Francis, a middle-aged man wearing a blue suit, is also visible on a video screen hung on the wall next to a large United Nations logo.

What Can the U.N. Do Now?

The president of the General Assembly talks about the organization's possible next steps in the Israel-Hamas war.

israel-palestine-historical-trauma-iStock-171576611-homepage
israel-palestine-historical-trauma-iStock-171576611-homepage

This War Is Wrought With Historical Trauma

For both Israelis and Palestinians, the past 10 days have evoked memories of their worst suffering.

Then-U.S. President Barack Obama walks alongside former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush before speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 16, 2010.
Then-U.S. President Barack Obama walks alongside former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush before speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 16, 2010.
Retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus arrives at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 22, 2015.
Retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus arrives at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 22, 2015.

David Petraeus: Why 9/11 Is a Cautionary Tale for Israel

The retired U.S. general and former CIA director on lessons from the war on terrorism and why military action is necessary—but not sufficient.

A Lebanese woman protester walks draped in a national flag along the Fuad Chehab avenue, near the Martyrs' Square, in the centre of the capital Beirut on October 29, 2019 on the 13th day of anti-government protests.
A Lebanese woman protester walks draped in a national flag along the Fuad Chehab avenue, near the Martyrs' Square, in the centre of the capital Beirut on October 29, 2019 on the 13th day of anti-government protests.

Lebanon Knows It Is on the Edge of the Abyss

The war in Gaza could soon spread to a country that can’t afford it in any way.

Chinese President Xi Jinping walks closely in front of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in front of a group of Chinese soldiers wearing formal uniforms. Both officials wear dark suits and look down at something out of view.
Chinese President Xi Jinping walks closely in front of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in front of a group of Chinese soldiers wearing formal uniforms. Both officials wear dark suits and look down at something out of view.

The Israel-Hamas War Is Testing China’s Diplomatic Strategy

Beijing’s “pro-Palestinian neutrality” could help in mediating the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not pictured) in Jerusalem.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not pictured) in Jerusalem.

What Putin Stands to Gain From Israel-Hamas War

Conflict in the Middle East comes as a long-awaited distraction from Ukraine.

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