General Qasem Soleimani’s Death Exposes an ‘Ominous Sign’

By Dr. Romesh Gautam

(Sr Advocate & Limca Record Holder)

The death of the top Iranian commander, General Qasem Soleimani, is an ominous sign not only for Iran, but its impact is being witnessed in various corners of the world. General’s death is also seen as a big loss to India. 

he slain Iranian commander, who was the Major General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has had decades-old friendly relations with India. Truly recognized for his creative efforts and positivity for India, Soleimani was considered as one of the trusted allies of the country.

When we talk about the India’s national security, General Soleimani may be termed as the staunch supporter of the country.

The slain General’s plan to rescue Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been languishing in a Pakistani jail on charges of spying for India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (ROW), shows his unselfish devotion our nation.

The Pakistani military court had in April 2017 awarded Jadhav with death sentence on charges of ‘espionage and terrorism’.

Besides, General Soleimani supported India in building ties with Northern regions, preventing several mishappenings against India at Chabahar and Afghanistan.  He had also gone out of the way to influence the Houthis in Yemen to call a cease fire until the then General, VK Singh, rescued Indian nationals.

Being the commander of a top class Special Forces, not only the Indians but also the US Military personnel respected General Soleimani for his positive attitude and efforts in releasing the US Navy personnel, who had unknowingly entered into the Iranian waters.

However, his death has drawn the attention of various military forces across the world. Many senior military personnel in the US and NATO have condemned this US action, given the fact that this man was singularly responsible for wiping out ISIS from Iraq and Syria.

On January 3, 2020, General Soleimani was killed by a targeted U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, which was approved by U.S. President, Donald Trump, who considered Soleimani as an imminent threat to the American’s lives.