Behind the Bastards Qassem Soleimani and the Bastardful History of U.S. / Iran Relations
10 snips
Jan 8, 2020 AI Snips
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From Poor Teen To Revolutionary Commander
- Qasem Soleimani rose from poverty to power by joining the Revolutionary Guard after the 1979 revolution and distinguishing himself in early actions.
- His background shaped a lifelong focus on asymmetric warfare and regional influence.
Child Labor After A Farmer's Debt
- Soleimani's family struggled under the Shah, forcing him and a cousin to work in the city at age 13 to repay debt.
- Those early hardships and exposure to anti-Shah sentiment helped radicalize his worldview.
War As Formative Identity
- The Iran–Iraq War (1980–88) was formative, turning Soleimani into a battle-hardened leader and making the battlefield his 'paradise.'
- That experience pushed him toward asymmetric tactics and lifelong militarism.