The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: The Soleimani Strike Two Years Later
Sep 22, 2024
Suzanne Maloney, an Iran specialist at Brookings, and Dan Byman, a terrorism expert, delve into the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Qassem Soleimani. They discuss whether the anticipated backlash from Iran was overstated and analyze the unexpected reductions in U.S.-Iran hostilities. The experts explore Iran's strategic restraint, the complexities of military operations in the region, and the longer-term implications for U.S. interests in Iraq, highlighting the need for new diplomatic approaches amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Soleimani's Regional Role
- Soleimani was a charismatic and powerful Iranian commander shaping regional influence.
- His assassination marked a major escalation and brought U.S. and Iran to the brink of war.
Limited Operational Impact
- Soleimani's removal did not greatly reduce Iran's military capabilities.
- His unique charisma is missing, but Iran's institutionalized paramilitary network remains strong.
Lost Control Over Militias
- Killing Soleimani cost the U.S. a known influential Iranian figure who helped control proxies prudently.
- His death led to less control over Iran-backed militias, increasing chaos, like assassination attempts on Iraqi leaders.