The Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force and one of the most prominent figures in Iran’s political establishment — by the United States. There was one of those moments when the pretenses that usually veil the West’s dealings with the wider Arab world are dropped and the unvarnished ideology at play becomes clear for the world to see. It’s also when the proponents of the so-called “resistance bloc” that diminishes Tehran’s activities in the region decide to step into the light. Neither of which is pretty.

But this does present a rare opportunity to examine and scrutinize these ideological contours, while people are paying attention, before the offensive propaganda that was launched in the days after the drone strike hides the truth within the folds of so many denials, alibis and post hoc justifications.

There are, it seems to me, two dominant narratives in operation in the wider international media when it comes to Qassem Soleimani. The first situates his death within the broader attempt to lay the groundwork for regime change in Iran. This is the narrative advanced by many of the staunchest backers of the Trump administration. For them, Soleimani’s death represents an opportunity to “take the fight” to Iran. Hence any adverse consequence that might flow from the decision to assassinate one of the most nefarious leaders of the Iranian militia is worth it. This is a dangerous narrative — all the more so since can be heard in the mouths some of Trump’s most senior neoconservative advisors, former and current, such as John Bolton.

Thankfully, dissenting voices are warning against the implications of such a drift, both within the United States and abroad — and one can only hope that the Trump administration will heed the dire predictions of some of the more rational, experienced, informed figures within the diplomatic corps and Pentagon, as well as those of the United States’ allies in the region and in Europe

And now the world is witnessing that Qassem Soleimani is the winner, the president of America is the loser and people which were with Qassem Soleimani, are the martyrs.

 ......Abu zahra.......