Thomas Friedman on Iran, Israel and Preventing a ‘Forever War’

Will Israel and Iran’s unprecedented attacks escalate into a wider mideast conflict? A “forever war”? This week, columnist Tom Friedman joins the hosts to unpack the latest developments, what it means for Gaza, and the implications for the region writ large.
A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.
Mentioned in this episode:
• “How to Be Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israeli and Pro-Iranian (www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/op...) ” by Thomas L. Friedman
• “Iran Just Made a Big Mistake. Israel Shouldn’t Follow. (www.nytimes.com/2024/04/14/op...) ” by Thomas L. Friedman
• “A Biden Doctrine for the Middle East Is Forming. And It’s Big. (www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/op...) ” by Thomas L. Friedman
• “Netanyahu Must Go (www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/op...) ” by Bret Stephens
Thoughts about the show? Email us at [e-mail] or leave a voicemail at [phone].

[@Documenting-life]

Tom is incorrect - Gantz and Eisencot agree on the American proposal (Gantz basically visited the US a month ago to discuss this with the US administration). Bin is reluctant to do so out of fear of loosing his coalition. And this will be one of these worst decision Bibi died in this war.

[@willdon.1279]

I don't understand why my moderate comment has disappeared, when many rabid anti ones left. Why?

[@Edo9River]

Someone keeps saying, All wars come to an end, eventually.😢

[@eliashe1797]

"Iran hoped 😢 its rockets would hit" This seems like a really silly take. You do not telegraph your attacks unless you want them to fail.

[@m.a.b.4104]

Bad take. Not really what was said.

[@stoor79]

Iran telegraphed it so it wasn’t remarkable that 300 drones and rockets were intercepted.

[@AlanReid-mt9kk]

I think Iran didn't want to create an all out war as they maybe know they aren't in a position to win but probably expected a bit more damage, but no civilian casualties. They likely thought with Western socialists and academics hating Israel/politicians fearful of an "escalation" it was worth trying to deter Israel from killing their generals.

[@user-fc6bh9ms2p]

​@@stoor79not exactly since some falled themselves

[@tb8865]

A face-saving gesture followed up by a face-saving gesture. Nothing ever happens gang got this one right.

[@criticalobserver5720]

Matter of opinion isn’t that all of NYT?

[@ericarn]

‘Best week in terms of public opinion’… Jesus, NYT & WAPO all trying to sell the ‘war’ in Gaza. The American people DO NOT SUPPORT GENOCIDE!!

[@incognito814]

😢

[@gibransirat8454]

Oh Tom you silly goose... It's amazing that he has a job at one of the most prestigious papers in the world. Do people actually take Tom *wrong about everything* Friedman seriously?

[@Nateasnay]

Ohhh now he wants to stop forever war, not 20 years ago when Americans were going to middle east👍

[@HerrFrankenstein]

If you could remove religiously inspired ambitions from the situation, they would have nothing to fight about

[@arshbad1]

Elites blithering incoherently .

[@rocketshoot3027]

He will never condemn Israel..

[@rocketshoot3027]

*War Criminal*

[@psurrett1]

When Islam returns the Temple Mount to Israel, there may be peace.

[@Dennis_510]

Oh great, Friedman still sucks

[@princedetenebres]

But the next six months! They're critical, dontcha know?

[@akumasdeception]

More propaganda from Friedman 5:13