Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 9/26/25 Matthew Hoh on the Institutionalized War State and the Disgraceful David Petraeus
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Sep 28, 2025 Matthew Hoh, a former Marine and State Department whistleblower, shares his insights on the war in Afghanistan and critiques General David Petraeus's legacy. He discusses his initial skepticism towards the antiwar movement, urging veterans to document their experiences for future advocacy. Hoh explains how American military strategies often backfire, citing the detrimental effects of the Iraq surge model in Afghanistan. He also highlights the disconnect between military leadership and the realities on the ground, emphasizing a culture of conformity that stifles dissent.
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Resignation Over Afghan Surge
- Matthew Hoh recounts resigning in 2009 after opposing the Afghan escalation and speaking out publicly.
- He says his dissent and Ambassador Eikenberry's views were ignored while the surge went ahead under political pressure.
Write Down Service Experiences
- Matthew Hoh urges active-duty personnel and veterans to write down their experiences to preserve memory.
- He warns forgetting and recommends documentation to inform future opposition to future wars.
Wars As A Continuous Line
- Hoh realized U.S. wars are a continuous line rather than isolated episodes, which his education failed to show him.
- He argues occupation is the primary constant driving local resistance across conflicts.
