The US is trying to broker an end to the war between Israel and Hamas. Ceasefire talks begin and end and begin again. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to the region 10 times in the past year.
And that’s not the only war the US hopes to end. Russia and Ukraine have been fighting since 2014 when Russia first attacked. It launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than two and a half years ago.
The US and NATO have been supporting Ukraine’s efforts to hold off Russia in a hope to preserve broader security and stability in Western Europe.
The next occupant of the White House looks certain to inherit two major conflicts.
Why are these wars lasting so long with no end in sight?
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A Lebanese man checks a message received on his mobile phone in Beirut on September 23, 2024, calling people to evacuate the areas where Hezbollah hides its weapons.
JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images
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JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images
A Lebanese man checks a message received on his mobile phone in Beirut on September 23, 2024, calling people to evacuate the areas where Hezbollah hides its weapons.
JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images
This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and Megan Lim. with audio engineering by Maggie Luthar.
It was edited by Andrew Sussman and Courtney Dorning.
Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.