Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Iran with General David Petraeus, Oscars with Naomi Alderman - plus: can Jewish life thrive under fire?

61 snips
Mar 12, 2026
Naomi Alderman, novelist and broadcaster known for Disobedience, offers sharp film criticism and cultural reading of Marty Supreme. General David Petraeus, former U.S. Army general and ex-CIA director, provides military-strategy analysis on the Iran conflict. They discuss widening war dynamics, Hezbollah’s resurgence, Israel–US coordination, and how culture and Jewish life respond under fire.
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INSIGHT

Commanders Provide Options Not Political Verdicts

  • Petraeus refused to give binary advice on whether to start the war; instead he would present options, risks and tradeoffs to a president.
  • He stressed commanders' role is to inform decisions, not to decide political goals.
INSIGHT

Israel Now Strikes Emerging Threats Preemptively

  • Petraeus argues Israel's doctrine shifted after October 7: it now strikes emerging threats preemptively rather than waiting to see them mature.
  • He notes Israel will continue striking Hezbollah and Iranian infrastructure even if U.S. de‑escalates.
ADVICE

Form Coalitions Before Escorting Tankers

  • Consider international escorts and mine‑clearing coalitions to keep oil flowing but recognise it's risky and slow.
  • Petraeus warns a single mine or drone strike can halt traffic; build multinational mine‑sweeper and escort capacity first.
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