David Petraeus talks to Al Majalla

Step into the mind of one of America’s most influential military and intelligence figures as retired General and former CIA Director David Petraeus shares his frank insights on the turbulent Middle East. With a career spanning over 37 years in the United States Army, including key leadership positions such as US CENTCOM chief and CIA director, Petraeus brings a perspective rooted in both military experience and diplomatic understanding. Petraeus sheds light on US President Donald Trump’s unorthodox approach to diplomacy—balancing tough rhetoric with strategic prowess—and reveals how these tactics aim to leverage US strength to shape peace in a region still marred by conflict. He discusses the nature of US engagement under Trump, emphasising that “certainly there is a bit of harsh rhetoric from time to time. Sometimes that works,” and clarifies that the approach is grounded in the use of America's “tools” to promote peace in the region rather than naked aggression.