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

Meet the New Middle East, Same as the Old Middle East
Everything has changed in the region, and nothing is different.

Hezbollah Is Weak Enough for Lebanon to Finally Disarm It
The government and army are taking back their own country.

Israel Escalates War Against Hamas With Doha Strike
Qatar decried the strike as a violation of international law.

The Next Israel-Iran War Is Coming
Both countries’ strategic calculus suggests it will be even more violent.
Israel-Hamas War

What Was the Tipping Point on Gaza?
After almost two years of war, Israel is feeling the growing weight of governmental opprobrium.

Israel Isn’t a Hegemon Yet, But It’s Now a Revisionist Power
Netanyahu is seeking to remake the Middle East by force.

Why Israel’s War in Gaza Has Been So Deadly for Journalists
Israel is directly targeting media workers, rights groups warn.

Why Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even Harmful
Recent announcements by France, Britain, and Canada are mostly performative.
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.

What the War Changed Inside Iran
The regime has been pushed to the edge of strategic pivot.
Israel and Hezbollah

Hezbollah Is Trying to Spin Loss as Victory
Assad’s fall and Israel’s offensive give Lebanese a chance to reclaim their 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.

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

In the Middle East, a Cold War Redux?
China and the U.S. are competing for influence in the troubled region.

Ankara’s New Syrian Headache
Toppling Assad didn’t solve Turkey’s problems—it made them worse.

How Israel’s Strikes on the Houthis Will Change Yemen
For years, the group has relied on the perception that it is untouchable.

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

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

The U.N. Resolution at the Heart of the Israel-Lebanon Conflict
U.N. Resolution 1701 was a great idea—if only Lebanon had been able to curb Hezbollah.

Don’t Blame Biden for the Yearlong War in Gaza
Yes, the United States has leverage—but not like you think.

Hezbollah Is Still Capable of Getting Revenge on Israel
Even after taking damage, the group still has unconventional military means of its own.

Can Israel Kill Its Way to Victory Over Hezbollah?
The group has been degraded but can still inflict serious harm.

How Beirut Reacted to Nasrallah’s Death
After Hezbollah confirmed its leader had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, all hell broke loose in the streets.

Charisma and Militancy Powered Nasrallah’s Rise, but He Became One More Corrupt Warlord
The Hezbollah leader’s death will not bring lasting peace for Israel.

Hezbollah Leader Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Group Confirms
Hassan Nasrallah’s death marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s campaign against the militant group.

Pinpoint Israeli Intelligence Enabled Strike on Nasrallah in Lebanon
Israel killed the Hezbollah leader, capping a series of stunning operations.

With Israel’s Airstrikes, Beirut Plunges Into Panic
One family flees their village in the south for uncertain refuge in the capital.

Will Hezbollah Choose to Keep Its Word—or Its Arsenal?
The militant group must decide between walking back its threat to northern Israel or risking the loss of its advanced missile capabilities.

The Beeper Balance Sheet
The stunning attacks are a setback for Hezbollah but raise risks for Israel.

The Biggest Question About the Hezbollah Pager Attack Is Why Now
A technically adroit strike could be a curtain-raiser for an expanded conflict.

Gaza Is Causing Diplomatic Rifts in the Western Hemisphere
The Organization of American States’ pro-Israel stance may erode its legitimacy in the region.

A Cease-Fire in Gaza Wouldn’t End Israel’s Wars
The region’s most bitter conflicts aren’t all linked to one another.

Meet the Para-Cyclists Riding for Gaza
The Sunbirds’ story began with tragedy but has evolved into one of resilience.

A Way Forward in the Israeli Hostage Crisis
Netanyahu is an obstacle, but Biden has an alternative.