Middle East Crisis

Coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and regional conflicts.

Hamas militants are seen standing between two green flags while wearing all black and holding guns.
Hamas militants are seen standing between two green flags while wearing all black and holding guns.

Does the Road to Disarming Hamas Lead Through Qatar and Turkey?

Diplomats and experts say Doha and Ankara have leverage, but it may not be enough. This article has an audio recording

Iranian missiles and drones
Iranian missiles and drones

The Israel-Iran Detente Won’t Last

The next round could be bigger and uglier than last year’s 12-day war. This article has an audio recording

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

People wave Kurdistan flags during a march in support of Iranian Kurdish parties in Erbil, Iraq, on April 21. Rasul Gawhari/Middle East Images via AFP
People wave Kurdistan flags during a march in support of Iranian Kurdish parties in Erbil, Iraq, on April 21. Rasul Gawhari/Middle East Images via AFP

Will a U.S.-Iran Deal Include Kurds?

Attacks against Kurdish regions in Iran and Iraq never stopped. This article has an audio recording

A woman with dark hair tied back wears a red scarf and black jacket, looking downward with a pained expression. Next to her, another woman with long dark hair holds a smartphone in one hand while wiping her nose or crying into a tissue with the other. In the background, other individuals are visible, including a man kneeling with a green, white, and red flag draped over his shoulders. Another large flag with a gold emblem is held on the right side of the frame.
A woman with dark hair tied back wears a red scarf and black jacket, looking downward with a pained expression. Next to her, another woman with long dark hair holds a smartphone in one hand while wiping her nose or crying into a tissue with the other. In the background, other individuals are visible, including a man kneeling with a green, white, and red flag draped over his shoulders. Another large flag with a gold emblem is held on the right side of the frame.

Iran Is Still Fighting a War Against Dissidents Abroad

Iranians in Europe say governments aren’t taking threats from Tehran seriously. This article has an audio recording

A drone is shown during a pro-government rally organized by members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Tehran.
A drone is shown during a pro-government rally organized by members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Tehran.

Israel Has a Hezbollah Drone Problem

“We don’t have a solution,” an Israeli military official said. This article has an audio recording

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on Sept. 15, 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on Sept. 15, 2025.

For Israel, the Oct. 7 War Is Effectively Over

In 984 days of fighting, “total victory” eluded Netanyahu on all fronts. This article has an audio recording

An Iranian flag is waved under a billboard of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on June 15.
An Iranian flag is waved under a billboard of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on June 15.

Why the Iran Deal Might Endure

Both Washington and Tehran need it. This article has an audio recording

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 8, 2025.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 8, 2025.

Netanyahu’s Reelection Could Hinge on Outcome of Iran War

He promised Israelis “total victory” but has fallen short on three fronts.

A structure known as “The Claw” is seen on the White House’s South Lawn during a media preview in Washington on June 11. The structure was built for the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship match that U.S. President Donald Trump will host as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
A structure known as “The Claw” is seen on the White House’s South Lawn during a media preview in Washington on June 11. The structure was built for the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship match that U.S. President Donald Trump will host as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

War and Circuses

Trump juggles Iran, a World Cup, and a UFC cage fight.

A group of Palestinians are seen close the Israel-Gaza border fence in the southern Gaza Strip. An Israeli military vehicle sits opposite the Palestinians on the opposite of the fence.
A group of Palestinians are seen close the Israel-Gaza border fence in the southern Gaza Strip. An Israeli military vehicle sits opposite the Palestinians on the opposite of the fence.

Diagnosing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Doesn’t Solve It

Two new books offer fresh explanations for what went wrong—but little on how to make it go right. This article has an audio recording

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a military Mother’s Day event in the East Room of the White House in Washington on May 6.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a military Mother’s Day event in the East Room of the White House in Washington on May 6.
This image shows armed Hamas militants walking through Gaza. They are masked and wearing green headbands.
This image shows armed Hamas militants walking through Gaza. They are masked and wearing green headbands.

Trump’s Gaza Impasse

Experts say Hamas has few incentives to disarm. This article has an audio recording

A Lebanese army officer shows to Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam an Israeli military positon on the horizon, in the southern village of Khiam near the border with Israel, on February 28, 2025.
A Lebanese army officer shows to Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam an Israeli military positon on the horizon, in the southern village of Khiam near the border with Israel, on February 28, 2025.

The Lebanese State Is Done With Hezbollah

The talks between the neighboring countries are about defeating their mutual enemy.

A boy stands amid the debris of a destroyed building next to a portrait of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the Haret Hreik area of Beirut’s southern suburbs in Lebanon.
A boy stands amid the debris of a destroyed building next to a portrait of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the Haret Hreik area of Beirut’s southern suburbs in Lebanon.

How Iran and the United States Are Planning Their Next Moves

Karim Sadjadpour on the extended cease-fire and continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This article has an audio recording

A satellite view of Dubai International Airport on March 16 after a drone strike ignited a fuel tank fire, causing global travel disruptions.
A satellite view of Dubai International Airport on March 16 after a drone strike ignited a fuel tank fire, causing global travel disruptions.

Where Do the Gulf States Go From Here?

The U.S. war with Iran has shattered their economic model. This article has an audio recording

A view of the damaged B1 bridge after it was destroyed by an airstrike in Karaj, Iran.
A view of the damaged B1 bridge after it was destroyed by an airstrike in Karaj, Iran.

The Iran War’s Exit Ramp Has Become a Diplomatic Maze

The war began without a strategy for victory. The peace has no formula, either.

More than a dozen oil tanker trucks and flatbeds are scattered around a crowded parking area in front of big oil storage silos beneath a hazy sky.
More than a dozen oil tanker trucks and flatbeds are scattered around a crowded parking area in front of big oil storage silos beneath a hazy sky.

Why Energy Has Become a Foreign-Policy Weapon

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a reminder of how everything is fair game in an era of great-power competition. This article has an audio recording

Four farm workers squat as they harvest crops in front of billowing columns of dark gray smoke from airstrikes on Iran. Fields and a few low trees stretch on to the horizon.
Four farm workers squat as they harvest crops in front of billowing columns of dark gray smoke from airstrikes on Iran. Fields and a few low trees stretch on to the horizon.

The Next Global Food Crisis Has Already Begun

Blocked fertilizer shipments plus La Niña spell trouble for farmers around the world. This article has an audio recording

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