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

Hosted by Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen

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The columnist Thomas L. Friedman joined the hosts of “Matter of Opinion” this week to unpack Israel’s and Iran’s latest attacks, what they mean for Gaza and the implications for the region writ large.

Below is a lightly edited transcript of this episode. To listen to this episode, click the play button below.

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

“It’s the worst story I’ve ever covered.”

Lydia Polgreen: From New York Times Opinion, I’m Lydia Polgreen.

Ross Douthat: I’m Ross Douthat.

Carlos Lozada: I’m Carlos Lozada.

Lydia: And this is “Matter of Opinion.”

Over the past few weeks, Israel and Iran have engaged in a military standoff. Israel struck the Iranian Embassy in Syria, killing several top Iranian military officials. Then last weekend Iran sent hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israel. And finally, early on Friday, Israel retaliated, striking a military base in Iran.

Michelle Cottle is out this week, so to try to unpack what all this means, we asked our colleague Thomas L. Friedman to join us. He has decades of experience covering the region and has been closely following the tit for tat.