
Unholy: Two Jews on the News Iran with General David Petraeus, Oscars with Naomi Alderman - plus: can Jewish life thrive under fire?
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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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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.
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.
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.

