logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2020
22m 58s

Why was Qasem Soleimani killed?

Bbc World Service
About this episode

President Trump’s decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani came as a shock to America’s foes and allies alike. He was Iran’s top general and has been described as one of the country’s most powerful figures, second only to the Supreme Leader Ayotollah Ali Khamenei. He was, effectively, head of Iran’s foreign policy. He’s been credited as being instrumental in the fight against ISIS but has also been accused of arming and supporting terror groups. But why did Donald Trump order his death?

Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: John Murphy

(Image: Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani / Photo handout from the Iranian Supreme Leader's office)

Up next
Today
Can China’s polar silk road change global trade?
Conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global shipping routes including the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca. China is now turning to Russia for support in developing an alternative trade path: the Northern Sea Route. On 15 August, China sent its first ship on ... Show More
24m 25s
Sep 8
Can Africa take control of its digital future?
Just under 20 years ago Kenya pioneered the use of mobile money. Since then, other countries in Africa have carved out a share of the digital market for themselves, from gaming in Morocco to artificial intelligence in Tunisia. But the picture is not the same across the whole cont ... Show More
24m 24s
Sep 1
Should rivers have personhood?
River systems around the world are under stress from various factors ranging from pollution, to agriculture, to extractive industries. In some parts of the world there are regulations to help protect rivers, but in a lot of cases these are just preventative measures for a system ... Show More
23m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2020
Why Iran Is in Mourning
<p>The killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iran’s most formidable military and intelligence leader, displayed the fault lines in a fractious region. From Iraq to Israel, many victims of the commander’s shadow warfare celebrated his death; but in Tehran, thousands filled the st ... Show More
25m 30s
Jan 2020
U.S. killing of top Iranian general stokes worries over wider conflict
In the days since the Trump administration ordered a lethal drone strike in Baghdad on Iran’s second-most powerful man, Qassem Soleimani, Iranian officials have promised “vigorous vengeance” against the U.S. and chants of “death to America” were heard in the Iranian parliament. O ... Show More
23m 1s
Jan 2020
Trump Kills Qasem Soleimani
Season 4 Episode 2Iranian Military General Qasem Soleimani was killed in Baghdad Thursday and the Libs are somehow making the killing of a terrorist leader a bad thing. Plus why New York City and other major cities are crumbling. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ih ... Show More
1h 47m
Jan 2020
Iran retaliates to the Soleimani strike
Tommy and Ben talk about the fallout from Trump’s decision to assassinate Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. What do we know about Iran’s ballistic missile strikes on bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq? How are the Iranian people responding? Why is Trump threatening to commit war c ... Show More
1h 16m
Jan 2020
Soleimani's Iran
When Qassem Soleimani was assassinated by the United States on January 3rd, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander suddenly became a household name. But in Iran, he's been a potent symbol for decades, shaping conflicts in the region and with the U.S. In this episode, the origi ... Show More
46m 23s
Jan 2020
Soleimani Death, Iran Protests, Embassy Chaos
Reports: New Airstrike Targets Iran-Backed Militia Near Baghdad; Pres. Trump: Iranian Commander Killed By U.S. Was Plotting "Imminent And Sinister" Attacks Against Americans; New Troops Heading To Region; Wash. Post: Dems To Submit Impeachment Articles in Coming Days; U.S. Deploy ... Show More
42m 3s
Jan 2020
65. Quds Force Commander: Who was Qasem Soleimani?
tail spinning
1h 18m