By: Pari Esfandiari & Gregory Treverton

Concerns over Iranian retaliation or a complete nuclear break-out in the wake of the killing of Qasem Soleimani are understandable, but the real costs for the United States will be slower and deeper — these will affect Iran’s politics and America’s standing in the region.

Soleimani was no stateless terrorist; rather, he was a legitimate leader of a legitimate — and recognised — government with which the United States was not formally at war. His role as a young officer in the war against Iraq made him a hero at home, including among those who oppose the regime.

Dubbed “the leader from the shadows and nightmare of [the] enemy,” he also collaborated with the United States and played a critical role in fighting ISIS. His standing in the region increased, and he became a public figure, with a political position and public appearances. Yet this departure from the shadows also brought him to the attention of Washington, eventually leading to his assassination.

<h3><a href=”https://www.thearticle.com/the-intelligence-did-not-justify-soleimanis-assassination”>Read More …</h3></a>