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
Jul 8
Can Brazil’s supercows feed the world?
Brazil’s Zebu cattle, or “supercows” are bred for size, strength, and meat quality. Every year the animals are showcased at ExpoZebu, Brazil’s premier cattle fair. These animals are preened, pampered, and prized, before being sold for millions for their genetic material. Zebu cat ... Show More
23 m
Jul 1
Does Trump care about Taiwan?
Ahead of last year’s US Presidential elections, Donald Trump was asked if he would defend China against Taiwan, he responded that Taiwan should pay the US for protection from China. Taiwan is a self-governing island, claimed by Beijing and whilst Taiwan is not formally recognised ... Show More
22m 58s
Jun 25
How crucial is the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supplies?
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important energy corridors in the world. It is the only sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, it serves as the primary maritime route for oil exports from the Gulf. Any disruption to traffic through the strait would have i ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
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 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
Why Iran Is in Mourning
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 stree ... Show More
25m 30s
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.i ... Show More
1h 47m
Oct 2019
The rise and fall of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi
On Sunday President Donald Trump announced that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died during a U.S. raid in Syria. Today on Front Burner, Joby Warrick explains the significance of Baghdadi’s death and what this means for the future of ISIS. Warrick is a national security reporter ... Show More
23m 46s
May 2024
« America first » : l’imprévisible diplomatie de Trump s’il était réélu
Que deviendraient le monde et les alliances qui en ont assuré l’équilibre depuis la Seconde guerre mondiale sous un nouveau mandat de Donald Trump ? L’ancien président ne fait pas mystère de son désir de rompre avec le multilatéralisme pour faire primer les intérêts américains et ... Show More
14m 17s