Why the US Assassinated General Qassem Soleimani

By Laila Tajeldine on January 3, 2020

■ The assassination by the United States of General Soleimani is a clear provocation that is intended to produce several results, including affecting Iran’s capacity in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the entire Middle East in the short term.

■ By assassinating Iran’s strongest counter-terrorism strategist, it gives terrorist groups in the Middle East strength and leverage to continue their actions.

■ In turn, the United States in Iraqi territory strengthens the conflicts created between Sunnis and Shiites by activating a new trench, as a response to the Shiite electoral victory in Iraqi territory in 2019.

■ This action is a strict act of provocation that seeks a response from Iran and opens the way for other aggressive policies from the United States, from warlike confrontations to deepening sanctions.

■ Iran’s reaction could neutralize European criticism of the US’ insurmountable sanctions against the Persian Nation, which affect European interests.

■ The US measures at the same time aim to stop the strengthening of the alliances that will be strengthened in 2019 between Iran-Iraq; China-Iran-Russia; as well as between Iran-Afghanistan.

■ The US may continue the policy of anti-Iran sanctions if they respond to provocation from the death of General Soleimani.

■ With these developments, the impeachment against Trump could be reversed if the military establishment and the Israeli lobby are satisfied with the opening of the door to war.

■ Iran for its part has developed a millennial and meticulous foreign policy, adopting cold and rational positions with a vision of the future.

■ Iran is still studying the rational and proportional response to this aggression which will not necessarily mean that it will be carried out in the short term.

■ Iran could postpone any action of revenge or to implement some action of lesser impact, in such a way that it does not provide the basis for plans to score points for Donald Trump’s Republican government.

■ However, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been preparing for such war scenarios for many years, developing a military technology industry with great capacity for action.

■ The United States is equally aware that it cannot confront Iran on its own ground because it could affect world maritime trade with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz which is in Iranian maritime territory and controlled by the Persian nation. This sea passage is of great strategic importance because it connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean where 35% of the oil that transits the world has to pass through.

■ Without a doubt, the international community should have great concerns about this action by the United States that will have a strong impact on the Middle East.

Source: Al Mayadeen, translation, Internationalists 360