The Daily

The Killing of General Qassim Suleimani

Jan 6, 2020

Helene Cooper, the Pentagon correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the controversial killing of General Qassim Suleimani. She explains how Suleimani's actions shaped instability in the Middle East and became a target for the U.S. military. The discussion touches on the ramifications of U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq and the rising anti-American sentiment in both Iran and Iraq. Cooper also highlights the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations, questioning the future of diplomacy and military engagement in a region fraught with tension.

27:34

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Episode guests

Helene Cooper

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Tensions Rise: U.S. Military Response

3min

The Decision to Strike Soleimani

8min

Intensifying Tensions in the Middle East After Suleimani's Assassination

4min

The Implications of U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq

2min

U.S.-Iran Relations: Tensions and Consequences

9min

Iran has promised “severe revenge” against the United States for the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. But what made the high-ranking military leader an American target in the first place? Guest: Helene Cooper, who covers the Pentagon for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

Background reading:

Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani was known as the instigator behind proxy wars that fueled instability in the Middle East. His death further disturbed the region’s delicate power balances — and effectively ended a landmark nuclear deal.
Some Iranian officials called the American strike on General Suleimani an act of war. As the consequences of the killing ripple outward, our columnist asks: Was the strike a good idea?
Catching up after a weekend offline? Here’s what else you need to know about the death of General Suleimani.

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