Qasem Soleimani

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Qasem Soleimani
Well-known AsGeneral Suleimani
Religious AffiliationShia Islam
BirthSha'ban 9, 1376/March 11, 1957
Place of BirthRabor, Kerman, Iran
Places of ResidenceKerman, Tehran
MartyrdomJumada I 7, 1441/January 3, 2020 CE
Cause of MartyrdomAssassinated by American drones in Iraq
Burial PlaceMartyrs' cemetery of Kerman
Known forInternational figure of resistance
Notable rolesCommander of the Quds Force
ActivitiesCombating and eradicating of ISIS


Qāsem Soleimānī (Persian: قاسم سلیمانی) (b. 1957 - d. 2020), known as Hāj Qāsem and Martyr Soleimānī, was the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He was assassinated by American forces in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization.

During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), he was the commander of the 41st army of Tharallah Kerman Division and participated as one of the commanders in the Wal-Fajr Eight, Karbala Four, and Karbala Five operations. Soleimani was appointed by Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 1997 as the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is the overseas division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran.

After the emergence of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Soleimani played a significant role in fighting this terrorist group. Eliminating the ISIS threat from Samarra, Najaf, and Karbala is one of his key achievements in the fight against ISIS.

The funeral ceremony for Soleimani and his companions was held in various cities across Iraq and Iran. Prominent figures like Bashir Husayn al-Najafi in Najaf and Sayyid Ali Khamenei in Tehran led prayers over their bodies. Reports indicate that it was one of the largest funerals in history, drawing around 25 million participants. Soleimani was laid to rest on January 18th in Kerman Martyrs' Cemetery. After his martyrdom in 2020, Soleimani was promoted to Lieutenant-General.

Life

Qasim Soleimani was born on March 11, 1957, in the village of Qanat Malik in Rabor, a small tawn in Kerman province, in Soleimani tribe.[1] At 18, he began working for the Kerman Water and Wastewater Company.[2] He later described himself as one of the organizers of marches and strikes in Kerman, actively opposing the Pahlavi regime during the Islamic Revolution.[3] He married during the Iran-Iraq War[4] and had six children.[5] In 2019, Qasem Soleimani became the custodian of Imam Reda's shrine by the order of Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi, who was in charge of Astan Quds Razavi.[6] After his martyrdom, he became known as the 'Chief of Hearts,' and many advertising materials were created and published in this regard.[7] Additionally, his images and related content are included in textbooks at various educational levels in Iran.[8]

Characteristics

Sincerity, courage, a quest for martyrdom, devotion to Ahl al-Bayt (a) and Wilayat al-Faqih, worship and spirituality, military ingenuity, discipline, and a strong sense of community are among the characteristics of Qasem Soleimani.[9] Ayatollah Khamenei has described him as an international symbol of resistance, educated in Islam and the teachings of Imam Khomeini.[10]

During Iraq's War against Iran

After the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Qasem Soleimani joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and became a member of the training unit and instructor of the Quds Training Barracks of the Kerman Guard.[11] In 1981, under the command of Mohsen Rezaei, Soleimani became the commander of the 41st Tharullah Division in Kerman.[12] He played a significant role in several key operations during the Iran-Iraq War, including Wal-Fajr 8, Karbala 4, and Karbala 5.[13] He was wounded twice during the conflict, with one of his injuries being severe.[14]

After the Iran-Iraq War ended in 1988, Soleimani briefly became the commander of the Haft Sahib al-Zaman Corps.[15] He then returned to command the 41st Tharullah Division. Before his appointment as the commander of the Quds Corps, he actively fought against drug trafficking gangs along the borders of Iran and Afghanistan.[16]

Command of Quds Force

Qasem Soleimani was appointed commander of the Quds Force in 1998 by Ayatollah Khamenei.[17] The Quds Force is the overseas operations unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was established in 1989. Soleimani led the Quds Force until his death in 2020, after which Ismail Qa'ani took over command.[18]

Combatting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan

Qasem Soleimani and Ahmad Shah Mas'ud

Qasem Soleimani's appointment as the commander of the Quds Force coincided with a peak period of Taliban activity in Afghanistan.[19] He was known to cooperate with various Mujahideen factions, including Ahmad Shah Massoud.[20] Reports from some Mujahideen indicate that he actively engaged in combat against both the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.[21] Videos are documenting his presence in the Panjshir Valley, where he met with Massoud during the Mujahideen's struggle against the Taliban.[22]

According to the Afghan militants, Qasem Soleimani's presence in Afghanistan was viewed positively due to his friendly personality, which helped him gain the trust of various factions. He was recognized for his ability to facilitate dialogue and create opportunities for ceasefires and cooperation among different forces.[23]

Combatting the Israeli regime in Lebanon and Palestine

During Israel's invasion of Lebanon in the 33-day war in 2006, Qasem Soleimani was reported to be present in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in the central command room of Hezbollah's operations. [24]

According to a leader of the Hamas movement, Qasem Soleimani had a deep relationship with Hamas and provided significant support to the Palestinian resistance.[25] His assistance reportedly included supplying advanced weapons to Hamas.[26] The underground tunnels used to confront Israel were part of operational plans developed by Imad Mughniyeh and Soleimani, highlighting their collaboration in military strategies against Israel.[27]

Combatting the ISIS in Iraq

Qasem Soleimani alongside Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Soleimani was a prominent commander in the battle against ISIS in Iraq[28] and Syria.[29] ISIS was an extremist group, which appeared after the fall of Saddam Husein and in the absence of a powerful rule in Iraq.[30]

In 2014, as ISIS captured the city of Mosul and Baghdad faced imminent threats, Qasem Soleimani met with Sayyid Ali Sistani, a prominent religious authority in Iraq. Following their meeting, Ayatollah Sistani issued a fatwa calling for jihad against ISIS, which mobilized many Iraqis to join the fight against the terrorist groups.[31]

Along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Soleimani played a crucial role in organizing part of the al-Hashd al-Sha'bi forces for the campaign to expel ISIS from Iraq. Haider al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq at the time, recognized Soleimani as one of Iraq's key allies in the fight against ISIS, highlighting his significant influence and involvement in the military efforts.[32]

In many operations against ISIS, including the liberation of the city of Amerli in Salah al-Din province,[33] the recapture of Tikrit,[34] preventing ISIS from infiltrating the city of Erbil in northern Iraq,[35] and the fight against ISIS in Samarra,[36] Soleimani advised the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Iraqi Army, and the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government forces.

Combating Takfiri Groups in Syria

Qasem Soleimani organized the Syrian National Defense Forces to combat ISIS and Takfiri groups in Syria.[37] In 2011, the forces under Qasem Soleimani's command, including the Fatimiyyun Division and the Zaynabiyyun Brigade, went to Syria to combat ISIS and other extremist groups.[38] His significant achievements in the Syrian war include the liberation of Boukamal,[39] the historical city of Tadmur (Palmyra) southeast of Homs,[40] and the city of Al-Qusayr.[41]

Declaring the End of ISIS

On November 21, 2017, Qasem Soleimani wrote a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei announcing the end of ISIS's rule.[42] In addition, Soleimani promised on September 30, 2016, that he would announce the end of ISIS rule on earth in less than three months.[43] In his response, Ayatollah Khamenei praised Soleimani's efforts, stating, "By eradicating the tumor of ISIS, not only did you perform a great service to the countries in the region and the Muslim world, but also to humanity".

Reconstruction of Atabat al-Muqaddasa and Procession of Arba'in

The Headquarters for the Reconstruction of al-Atabat al-Muqaddasa was established with the direct support of the IRGC Quds Force, under the command of Qasem Soleimani, who also appointed the person in charge of it.[44] He also played a significant role in ensuring the security of Arbain pilgrims, as well as providing logistical support and comfort facilities for them.[45] His efforts contributed to the removal of the Iraqi visa requirement for Iranian Arbain pilgrims.[46]

Receiving the Dhu l-Fiqar Sign

Awarding of the Zulfiqar Order by Ayatollah Khamenei, to Qasem Soleimani

In February 2010, Soleimani was promoted to the rank of major general by Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the commander-in-chief of Iran's military forces.[47] Additionally, on March 19, 2017, Khamenei awarded Soleimani the Zulfiqar Order of Merit[48] which is bestowed upon high-ranking military commanders whose leadership leads to significant results or victories.[49] After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Soleimani was the first commander to receive this insignia.[50] After his martyrdom in 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant-General.[51]

In 2019, Qasem Soleimani was named one of the top ten thinkers in defense and security in the special issue of the American magazine Foreign Policy, which annually highlights the world's top 100 thinkers.[52] According to one of the commanders of the American army, General Soleimani was a calculating and operational strategist who strengthened stable relations and Iran's position in the region, successfully uniting and empowering Shia groups.[53]

Assassination and Martyrdom

Funeral procession of Qasem Soleimani in Tehran on January 6, 2020.

Qasem Soleimani was assassinated on Jumada I 7, 1441/January 3, 2020, together with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandes, deputy chief of the Popular Mobilization Forces of Iraq, as well as some others, by the American forces near Baghdad airport in their car.[54] The U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement confirming that the attack was carried out under the orders of Donald Trump, the President of the United States at the time.[55]

Reactions to his Assassination

Soleimani's assassination led to waves of protest in different countries worldwide, and many mourning ceremonies were held for him in various cities in Iran and other countries. Many political and religious figures reacted to his assassination. In his statement on Soleimani's martyrdom, Ayatollah Khamenei called him an international figure of resistance and announced three days of national mourning in Iran. Other political and religious figures, including the heads of the three branches of the Iranian government and religious authorities in Iran and Iraq, praised Soleimani's bravery, sincerity, and self-sacrifice in their statements.[56].[57]

Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah, Sayyid Abd al-Malik al-Houthi (the leader of Ansar Allah in Yemen), and the presidents of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey[58] were among other non-Iranian political figures who condemned the assassination of Soleimani. Agnès Callamard, the Special Rapporteur at the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), announced the assassination of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis to be illegal and a violation of international law.[59]

There were several unsuccessful attempts to assassinate Qasem Soleimani, the first occurring in 1981, when a doctor affiliated with the People's Mojahedin Khalq Organization made an assassination attempt.[60] At the beginning of October 2019, Husaynn Ta'ib, the head of the IRGC Intelligence Protection Organization, announced the arrest of individuals who planned to assassinate Qasem Soleimani in Kerman.[61]

Ratification of ousting the American forces from Iraq

Ain al-Assad Airbase damages following IRGC retaliatory attack

After the martyrdom of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, several Iraqi people and political groups called for ousting the American forces from Iraq. Thus, the Iraqi parliament ratified on January 5, 2020, expelling of the Americans.[62] It is noteworthy that before that and after the Americans attacked the bases of the Popular Mobilization Forces, several people and groups had demanded the American forces be ousted. Ayatollah Sayyid Kazim al-Ha'iri also had issued a fatwa, declaring the prohibition of allowing the American forces to stay in Iraq.

Iran's Retaliatory Action

In the early hours of January 8, 2020, Iran's IRGC launched several ballistic missiles at Ain al-Asad, a major airbase used mainly by American forces and another American airbase in Erbil in retaliation for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.[63] Iran repeatedly announced that the true form of revenge is the expulsion of the United States from the Middle East.

Funeral Procession

Ayatullah Khamene'i led the funeral prayer for Haj Qasem Soleimani and other martyrs
Funeral of Qasem Soleimani in Kerman

The funeral procession for Qasem Soleimani, along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and other martyrs, was held on January 4, 2020, in Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf, attended by Iraqi political and religious figures and many others.[64] In Karbala, Sayyid Ahmad Al-Safi, the head of holy shrine of al-Abbas (a),[65] and in Najaf, Shaykh Bashir al-Najafi prayed over their bodies.[66] Afterward, the bodies were taken to Iran, where funeral processions with millions of participants took place in Ahwaz and Mashhad on January 5, 2020, and in Tehran and Qom on January 6, 2020.[67] In Tehran, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, prayed over the bodies of Qasem Soleimani and his companions, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, on January 16, 2020.[68] The final ceremony was held on January 7 in Kerman, where Martyr Soleimani was buried.[69]

During his funeral ceremony in Tehran, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political office, highlighted Qasem Soleimani's efforts to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and referred to him as the 'Quds Martyr'.[70]

According to the spokesman of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, approximately 25 million people participated in Soleimani's funeral.[71] According to Russia Today Arabic, the gathering for Soleimani's burial ceremony was the second-largest such gathering after that for Imam Khomeini's burial ceremony.[72]

Soleimani's Will

According to the will read on the 40th day after Qasem Soleimani's martyrdom in Tehran by Ismail Qa'ani,[73] the commander of the Quds Force, it emphasized supporting Sayyid Ali Khamenei, paying attention to the children of martyrs, and respecting the Iranian armed forces.

In part of his will, he emphasized the importance of the Islamic Republic, describing it as the tent and shrine of Husayn b. Ali (a). He warned that if the enemy destroys this shrine, there will be no other shrine left, neither the Abrahamic shrine (Masjid al-Haram) nor the Muhammadan shrine (Masjid al-Nabi).[74]

Anniversary Ceremonies

Every year, on the anniversary of Soleimani's martyrdom, ceremonies are held to commemorate him in Kerman and several other cities in Iran. The ceremony in Kerman sees participation from people across various Iranian cities and from some other countries.

Terrorist Attack at Golzar-i Shuhada', Kerman

On January 3, 2024, a terrorist attack occurred on the road leading to Golzar Shuhada' (Garden of Martyrs) in Kerman, resulting in 368 casualties.[75] In this attack, 94 people were killed, including 56 women and children. Thirteen of the martyrs were from Afghanistan.[76] ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack.[77] In response, on January 16, 2024, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted ISIS-affiliated headquarters in various regions of Syria.[78]

Media Productions

Several Documentary films have been made about Qasem Soleimani's life and activities, including Qasem,[79] Memories of That Man,[80] 72 Hours[81] and Early January.[82] Additionally, the documentary Qasem was dubbed into Spanish by Hispan TV.[83] Documentaries in various languages from around the world are showcased. Finnish TV also aired a documentary about Qasem Soleimani.[84]

A gathering of media productions titled "School of Haj Qasem Soleimani" was also held in Ahvaz, Iran in January 2021.[85]

I Feared Nothing: The Autobiography of Qasem Soleimani, 1957- 1979.

Monographs

Many works have been published in Persian and other languages about Qasem Soleimani; some of them include:

  • I Feared Nothing, An Autobiography of Qasem Soleimani" is a 136-page book published in 2021. It contains Qasem Soleimani's personal manuscripts, detailing his childhood and life in the village of Qanatmalek in Kerman, as well as his struggle against the Pahlavi government in 1979. This book is translated into English.[86]
  • Sarbazan Sardar (General's Soldiers), authored by Murtada Karamati, introduces Qasem Soleimani and the martyrs who defended the shrines in Iraq and Syria. This book was translated into Turkish by Aykot Pazarbashi and published by Feta Publications in Turkey. It consists of 208 pages.[87]
  • Haj Qasem; justari dar khatirat-i Haj Qasem Soleimani (Haj Qasim: A Study in the Memories of Haj Qasim Soleimani) is a 167-page book that collects some of Qasim Soleimani's memories and speeches from the Iran-Iraq War. It was published by Ya-Zhra Publishing House in 2015[88] and later translated into Arabic and published by Jamiat al-Ma'arif in Lebanon.[89]
  • Aql-i Surkh (Red Intellect), is a collection of articles and essays by social science authors that explores Qasem Soleimani's personality and worldview.[90]

Notes

  1. The life and career of General Qasem Soleimani
  2. Soleimānī, Az chīzī nimītarsīdam, p. 59.
  3. Soleimānī, Az chīzī nimītarsīdam, p. 64-65.
  4. Narration of General Soleimani's marriage during the war
  5. How many children does Haj Qasim have?
  6. Haj Qasim Soleimani became the custodian of Imam Reza's shrine
  7. Why is Haj Qasim called the Commander of Hearts?
  8. General Qasem Soleimani" came to textbooks
  9. 25 characteristics of Haj Qasem Soleimani
  10. ‘Sever revenge awaits criminal killers of General Soleimani’
  11. Mīrzāʾī, Nabard-i karkha-yi kūr, p. 82.
  12. The life and career of General Qassem Soleimani.
  13. General Soleimani and those who call him "A man in the shadows".
  14. Mīrzāʾī, Nabard-i karkha-yi kūr, p. 82.
  15. Mīrzāʾī, Nabard-i karkha-yi kūr, p. 82.
  16. General Soleimani and those who call him "A man in the shadows".
  17. The decree appointing Qasem Soleimani as the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
  18. How was the IRGC Quds Force formed?
  19. General Soleimani and Afghanistan.
  20. General Soleimani and Afghanistan.
  21. The serious presence of General Soleimani next to the Afghan resistance fighters.
  22. An unseen video of General Soleimani's presence in the Panj-Shir Valley of Afghanistan.
  23. The role of Haj Qasem Soleimani in the Tammuz war in Lebanon.
  24. Martyr Soleimani played an important role in mobilizing the ranks of the resistance fighters.
  25. Martyr Soleimani played an important role in mobilizing the ranks of the resistance fighters.
  26. Martyr Soleimani played an important role in mobilizing the ranks of the resistance fighters.
  27. General Soleimani in Gaza (Arabic)
  28. Unheard facts about the presence of General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq
  29. Pictures of General Soleimani in the battle with ISIS.
  30. Nabātīyān and Shaykh Ḥusaynī, Zamīna-hā-yi fikrī siyāsī-yi jaryān-i Baʿthī-Takfīrī Dāʿish, p. 87.
  31. Martyr Soleimani was the advisor of Ayatollah Sistani in issuing the fatwa of Jihad Kafa'i.
  32. Qasem Soleimani and Iran’s Unique Regional Strategy
  33. Memories of Iraqi Turkmens by Haj Qasim.
  34. General Soleimani; Commander of Tikrit Liberation Operation
  35. Revolutionary Guard Commander: Soleimani was able to defeat ISIS’s attack on Erbil with 70 people
  36. How did General Soleimani help take Samarra from ISIS?
  37. Retelling the role of General Soleimani in establishing stability and peace; From the battlefield to the negotiating table.
  38. Confessions of former FBI agent about General Soleimani
  39. First-hand account of the liberation of Bukamal.
  40. The operation to liberate the city of "Tadmar"; The beginning of the end of ISIS's territorial control.
  41. Which Iranian general caused the golden victory of the Syrian army?
  42. Gen. Soleimani congratulates Ayatollah Khamenei and Muslims on ISIS termination (English)
  43. General Soleimani's promise; The celebration of the destruction of ISIS in two months.
  44. From zero to one hundred, the activities of the Atbat reconstruction headquarters were planned by Haj Qasim.
  45. Unsaid stories about the role of Haj Qasim in the revival of the Arbaeen ceremony.
  46. The role of General Soleimani in Arbaeen walk.
  47. All major generals of Iran's armed forces.
  48. Ayatollah Khamenei’s statements when awarding Maj. Gen. Soleimani with Order of Zolfaqar (English)
  49. To whom is the 'Zulfiqar High Order' awarded?
  50. [General Soleimani received the Zulfiqar badge from the leader of the revolution
  51. The military rank that General Soleimani set for himself before his martyrdom.
  52. Gen. Suleimani tops Foreign Policy’s list of Global Thinkers in Defense, Security field (English)
  53. American general: Qasem Soleimani is respected by his friends and enemies.
  54. General Qasem Soleimani was martyred.
  55. Details and aspects of how and why Qasem Soleimani was killed.
  56. Leader’s Message on martyrdom of Gen Soleimani: Sever revenge awaits criminal killers of General Soleimani.
  57. Messages of condolence from Taqlid authorities, scholars and seminary figures for the martyrdom of General Soleimani.
  58. Erdogan's reaction to the martyrdom of General Soleimani
  59. Targeted Killings through Armed Drones and the Case of Assassination of Lt. General Qasem Soleimani (English)
  60. The failed assassination of Haj Qasim in Mashhad.
  61. The failure of the assassination plan of General Soleimani in Kerman.
  62. The provisions of the decision of the Iraqi Parliament on the expulsion of American troops.
  63. Severe revenge by firing dozens of missiles at the American base in Ain al-Assad.
  64. The bodies of General Soleimani and Al-Muhandis entered Najaf.
  65. Funeral prayer led by Ahmad Safi over the body of General Soleimani.
  66. Ayatollah Bashir Hossein Al-Najafi's cry while praying over the body of martyr Haj Qasem Soleimani and his companions.
  67. Farewell to the commander of Love and Epic as millions of people of Tehran bid him goodbye
  68. Ayatollah Khamenei's prayer over the body of Martyr Soleimani and his companions
  69. The body of Martyr General Qasem Soleimani is buried.
  70. Ismail Haniyeh: Qasem Soleimani “the martyr of Quds.
  71. IRGC Spokesman: 25 million people participated in the funeral ceremony of General Soleimani in 5 cities of Iran.
  72. Tehran bids farewell to Soleimani with the largest funeral since Khomeini's.
  73. The text of General Soleimani's will was published.
  74. The text of General Soleimani's will was published.
  75. Real-time news from the terrorist incident in Kerman: the conclusion of the funeral ceremony at Golzar Shahada.
  76. The names of the martyrs of the terrorist attack in Kerman.
  77. ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Kerman.
  78. The destruction of Mossad headquarters and the ISIS base marks the first step of revenge.
  79. Documentary: Qasim - The Life of Martyr Qassem Soleimani from Birth to Martyrdom and Four Decades of Mard Maidan Activity.
  80. I made the documentary "Memories of that man" for the love of General Soleimani.
  81. Production of the documentary '72 Hours,' focusing on the final three days of Lieutenant General Hajj Qassem Soleimani's life.
  82. Shahid Soleimani's efforts in the documentary "Early January" from Channel One IRIB.
  83. The documentary 'Qassem' is now broadcast for Spanish speakers, showcasing General Soleimani's field command.
  84. The broadcast of the documentary of General Qasem Soleimani on Finnish TV.
  85. Remembrance of media productions of Shahid Soleimani school.
  86. I Feared Nothing: The Autobiography of Qasem Soleimani, 1957- 1979 (English)
  87. Publication of "Sarbazan General" in Turkish.
  88. Reading parts of the book "Haj Qasim"
  89. Publication of the Arabic translation of the book "Haj Qasim" in Lebanon.
  90. Red Intellect: A Memoir on Iran's Social Sciences for Hajj Qasem Soleimani and the World After His Martyrdom.

References