Assassination, Retaliation and Conspiracy Theories

Ever since Iran invaded the United States Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and took 66 diplomats hostage both countries have become sworn enemies. The attack on the US Embassy was the precursor to the Iranian Revolution in which the government of the Shah; Iran became an Islamic State. Over the years Iran became a leading military power in the Middle East. Her powers extend to Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Iran with her vast oil wealth tried to control other countries in the Region. We have all seen the pictures from Iran. Iran is a Muslim society in which women are voiceless and powerless. Occasionally, the country uses hostages as bargaining chips to try and get from the United States some concession. Iran has had a rich history. In Biblical times Iran was referred to as Persia. There are two main sects within Islam. These are Sunni and Shia. The majority of the populations in Iran and Iraq are Shia Muslim. On the other hand in more than 40 countries; Sunni Muslim dominates those populations from Saudi Arabia to Morocco and Indonesia.  Prior to his assassination many of us have never heard of Iran’s top general. So who was Qassem Soleimani? The 62-year-old led all of Iran’s expeditionary forces. He regularly travelled from Iran to Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. As head of Iran’s Quds Force, the elite, external wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he spearheaded Iranian military operations in the Middle East and was one of the most powerful people in Iran, reporting directly into the Supreme Leader. There are those who suggest that Soleimani was likely to become the next President of Iran. The Quds Force, designated a terror organisation by the US last year, has been blamed by the Pentagon for the deaths of hundreds of US servicemen and women. Soleimani was no Sunday school teacher. He was ruthless and wicked; the architect of Iran’s attempt to control the Middle East. Conspiracy theories believe that the Ayatollah is glad he is dead since he was seen a potential rival and leader. Let us be mindful that a key part of Iranian politics is for all US troops to be expelled from the Middle East. As a result Iran is always at odds with those Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates which have allowed the United States to station troops on their soil. As a superpower, the United States of America has troops and bases all across the globe in the event of war.   So why did the United States kill Soleimani? The US Defence Department said it killed Soleimani because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region”. It said: “This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.” On Friday, January 3, 2020 the United States ordered a drone attack which killed Soleimani. Interestingly, apart from Russia an ally of Iran we have not heard any government coming out condemning the death of Soleimani. After his death the world saw a well orchestrated demonstration by Iranians on the streets of Tehran chanting death to America and to Israel. The government of Iran in a swift response vowed to take revenge for their general. America drew first blood and the world was anticipating how and in what manner Iran would retaliate. The President of the United States of America warned Iran repeatedly on Twitter to be careful about his actions. Trump added that he has identified 52 sites which will be attacked if any US troops are killed or attacked. Unlike other US Presidents of the past, Trump is blunt and speaks his mind regardless. The message was clear to the leadership of Iran, think twice. Iran is a theocracy, and the leadership is fully aware that engaging with a war with the United States of America would bring about regime change. The Ayatollah is not a dumb man. He knows Trump means what he says. We are now learning that Iraq warned the United States of the attack on Tuesday at two bases in Iraq which houses US troops. The world was in a state of great anticipation last evening after the attacks in Iraq. Already we have seen the price of oil jump. Will there be a counter attack on Iran or will both parties return to the negotiation table? The United Nations clearly has a role to play in diffusing the situation between two of her member States. Iran has her sights on getting nuclear weapons. Just imagine Iran with nuclear weapons; Iran would be able to bully Non Nuclear Arab States in the Region. Should Iran become nuclear capable this would add another level of stress not only to the Middle East but to Washington and some European capitals. The United States of America is dead set against this happening. However, it appears at least for now that good sense has prevailed. There is no love lost between Iran and the United States of America. A war between Iran and the United States of America will have global repercussions which will include recession. Let us pray for peace.  
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo

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