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Genuine pressure on Israel and Hamas to enact a Gaza cease-fire could dial down tensions across the region.

Originally published in Foreign Policy.

The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has brought the Middle East to its moment of greatest peril in years. All concerned must do their utmost to avoid regional war. The most important step, besides mutual restraint, is a Gaza ceasefire.

Venezuelan election authorities proclaimed incumbent Nicolás Maduro victor in the 28 July presidential poll despite evidence brandished by the opposition showing its candidate won by a landslide. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Phil Gunson explains what the ensuing outcry means for Venezuela’s protracted crisis.

The Islamic Republic’s ninth president assumes office with an unenviable inheritance of domestic discontent, regional turmoil and poor relations with the West. He should work to bridge the state-society gap, while outside powers should test his administration's willingness to shift from an escalatory posture.

Originally published in Just Security.

Mass unrest has rocked Bangladesh in July, as students and others demonstrate against quotas for state jobs, and the government responds with deadly repression. In this Q&A, Crisis Group Asia Director Pierre Prakash explains what is behind the turmoil.

In this video Brian Finucane talks about how the Biden administration has worked around legal guardrails to engage in fighting without approval from the U.S. Congress.

Amid the Gaza war, the Biden administration has resorted to military force without asking Congress, further corroding the U.S. constitution’s checks and balances in this domain. Job one is a ceasefire but war powers reform is a vital task for the future.

This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group experts Mairav Zonszein, Michael Hanna and Rami Dajani about where things stand in Gaza, prospects for a ceasefire and what happens if the two sides cannot reach a deal. 

Explore Crisis Group's map that shows movements of military units and fortification building below.