Is Anybody There?

When it comes to the war in the Gaza Strip, the Biden-Harris administration has precisely one idea. “Keep f***ing trying,” Joe Biden reportedly told his advisers at the close of a recent meeting focused on securing a cease-fire. More talks are scheduled between Biden officials and their regional counterparts this week, Politico revealed, “but there are few expectations that an agreement could be reached soon.” After all, there is “great skepticism” that either Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar are “anxious to make a deal,” the latter’s rejection of every cease-fire proposal Biden and his allies have put to him (in contrast with Bibi, who accepted Biden’s terms) apparently notwithstanding. But the Biden team is operating on the assumption they are dealing with a recalcitrant negotiating partner in Sinwar. In fact, they may not have a negotiating partner at all.

“Diplomats involved in cease-fire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, say that Hamas representatives insist they need Mr. Sinwar’s input before they make major decisions in the talks,” the New York Times reported in late August. “As the most respected Hamas leader, he is the only person who can ensure that whatever is decided in Doha is implemented in Gaza.” Not only was Sinwar the most “respected” terrorist leader, he also had the distinct advantage of being alive — something that could not be said of Ismail Haniyeh or dozens of other Hamas commanders after nearly a year of war. That asset may no longer be in Sinwar’s possession.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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When it comes to the war in the Gaza Strip, the Biden-Harris administration has precisely one idea. “Keep f***ing trying,” Joe Biden reportedly told his advisers at the close of a recent meeting focused on securing a cease-fire. More talks are scheduled between Biden officials and their regional counterparts this week, Politico revealed, “but there are few expectations that an agreement could be reached soon.” After all, there is “great skepticism” that either Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar are “anxious to make a deal,” the latter’s rejection of every cease-fire proposal Biden and his allies have put to him (in contrast with Bibi, who accepted Biden’s terms) apparently notwithstanding. But the Biden team is operating on the assumption they are dealing with a recalcitrant negotiating partner in Sinwar. In fact, they may not have a negotiating partner at all.

“Diplomats involved in cease-fire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, say that Hamas representatives insist they need Mr. Sinwar’s input before they make major decisions in the talks,” the New York Times reported in late August. “As the most respected Hamas leader, he is the only person who can ensure that whatever is decided in Doha is implemented in Gaza.” Not only was Sinwar the most “respected” terrorist leader, he also had the distinct advantage of being alive — something that could not be said of Ismail Haniyeh or dozens of other Hamas commanders after nearly a year of war. That asset may no longer be in Sinwar’s possession.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.