Understanding the Mideast conflict: A historical primer

Smoke rises in northern Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, Oct. 7, 2024. FILE - This photo shows the U.S.-owned Genco Picardy that was attacked Jan. 17, 2024, with a drone launched by Houthis in the Gulf of Aden. (Indian navy via AP) FILE - A woman looks at pictures of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, one year after the attack, in Tel Aviv, Oct. 7, 2024.

The Middle East is on the brink. Just days after a massive missile attack on Israel, Iran is threatening more strikes. Israel, already battling Iranian-backed militias on two fronts, is vowing retaliation. The U.S. has deployed thousands of troops to the region.