Throughline Iran and the U.S., Part Three: Soleimani's Iran
60 snips
Jun 29, 2025 
Kareem Sadjadpour is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and an adjunct professor at Georgetown, while Ali Alfoneh is a Senior Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute and a researcher on the Revolutionary Guard. They discuss Qassem Soleimani’s ascent to power and his impact on Iran's military strategy. The conversation covers the complex U.S.-Iran relationship, the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and how Soleimani's leadership shifted Iran’s regional influence. They also reflect on the emotional aftermath of his assassination and its lasting legacy on national identity.
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Post-9/11 U.S.-Iran Moment
- After 9/11, Iran briefly cooperated with the U.S. against the Taliban, seeing a natural convergence of interests.
- This cooperation soured after President Bush labeled Iran part of the "axis of evil."
Soleimani's Humble Origins
- Qasem Soleimani went from a construction worker to a Revolutionary Guard recruit with little ideological belief.
- He acquired a blend of Shia Islam and Persian nationalism, mobilizing millions.
Soleimani's Baptism of Fire
- Soleimani first saw major combat quelling a violent Kurdish rebellion involving 10,000 deaths.
- This violent baptism by fire marked his uncompromising career start.