
The elimination of Qasem Soleimani by the United States marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against Islamic terrorism and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This event, reflective of America's assertive stance, underscores the complex dynamics and enduring challenges in the region. As we navigate the intricate interplay of regional power struggles and global security concerns, the impact of this decisive action continues to resonate, shaping both policy and perception in the intricate world of international relations.
Since the Islamic-Marxist Revolt in 1979, Iran's regime has played a critical role in influencing the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. This period marked a significant shift in Iran's foreign policy, with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and Tehran's growing influence in regional conflicts.
The CIA, initially underestimating the rise of the Islamic Marxist revolt in 1979, later recognized the strategic implications of the Shah's departure, which marked a pivotal change in the region's stability. Additionally, the longstanding beliefs surrounding the 1953 CIA coup in Iran have been reevaluated, with revelations suggesting these narratives were part of Islamic Marxist propaganda.
Crucial in this context is the formation of the IRGC. Contrary to being a movement for democracy or human rights, it was influenced by Mossadegh's supporters, many trained in Palestinian Arab terrorist camps, and modeled on countries like Cuba, Libya, Iraq, and the Soviet Union. This marked a significant departure from Iran's previous political paradigms, steering the country towards a path seeking regional dominance. The IRGC's objectives extended beyond national borders, aiming to counter American influence, weaken Israel, and potentially align with Russian and Chinese interests in Asia. This historical evolution paints a complex picture of Iran's role in the Middle East, laying the groundwork for the current geopolitical challenges and strategic responses by the U.S. and its allies.
The so-called revolution, which saw the fall of the late Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, led to increased tensions with the West, especially the United States. This era also heralded the rise of various terrorist groups backed by Iran's regime, contributing to the region's instability.
In the decades following, Iran's strategic maneuvers have included support for proxy wars and the development of a nuclear program, challenging global security norms and creating a complex web of regional conflicts. The U.S., in response, has engaged in various strategies, ranging from diplomatic negotiations to direct military action, to counter Iran's influence. The elimination of terrorist-loving figures like Qasem Soleimani, though seen as critical in the fight against terrorism, has also led to debates about the effectiveness and consequences of such actions.
Today, the Middle East remains a hotspot of sectarian strife, power struggles, and a breeding ground for Islamic terrorism, much of it fueled by the actions of the mullah's regime in Iran. The region, embroiled in conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, continues to grapple with the challenges of terrorism and sectarianism. The U.S.'s approach, while focused on pushing back and curbing Iran's influence, must also navigate the delicate balance of regional power dynamics and the broader implications of its actions on global stability.
This historical context and the current geopolitical scenario highlight the ongoing struggle to achieve stability in the Middle East. The U.S. and its allies face the daunting task of addressing the deep-rooted issues of extremism, governance, and regional rivalry, while also contending with the global implications of Iran's policies. The path forward requires a nuanced understanding of the region's history and a strategic approach to mitigate the threats posed by Iran and ensure long-term regional stability.
However, The role of U.S. agencies, particularly the CIA, has been fundamental in the Middle East, evolving significantly since the Khomeini's revolt in Iran. Initially caught off-guard by the rise of the Islamic Marxist regime, the CIA and other intelligence agencies have adapted, enhancing their understanding and response strategies. The elimination of IRGC's figures like Qasem Soleimani reflects this adaptation. Such actions, while crucial in countering immediate and imminent threats, have broader implications, including Iran's escalating regional tensions and influencing global geopolitical dynamics. The approach of international and U.S. agencies continues to balance between direct action and strategies, aiming to mitigate the complex threats emerging from the region.
Nowadays, the ongoing struggle against Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, the Israel war on terrorism, particularly involving Iran's regime and its transnational terrorist network, poses significant challenges to global security. The consequences of actions like Soleimani's elimination are multifaceted, isolating not only Khamenei but also the Shia terrorist network.
Looking ahead, the region faces a precarious future. The U.S. and its allies must navigate a landscape riddled with sectarian conflicts, power struggles, and the pervasive influence of extremist ideologies. The goal remains to establish a sustainable peace, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of instability. This includes promoting governance, economic development, and regional cooperation, alongside continued vigilance against terrorism. The path ahead is complex, demanding a nuanced and concerted effort from the global community to ensure long-term stability in the Middle East.
In conclusion, acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the Middle East is crucial. Four years after Soleimani's death, his successor Qaani continues to stoke regional unrest, furthering the Shia crescent's expansion in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This highlights the persistent and evolving nature of the threat, as the Iranian regime, on the cusp of a leadership transition, continues to assert its influence. The struggle against Islamic terrorism, therefore, is an enduring one, and despite significant efforts by agencies like the CIA, the path to peace and stability in the Middle East remains fraught with complexities.
The journey ahead is not only about countering immediate threats but also about addressing deeper ideological undercurrents, underscoring the need for a sustained, multifaceted and bold approach to ensure long-term regional and global security.
Erfan Fard is a counter-terrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, DC. He is in Middle Eastern regional security affairs with a particular focus on Iran, counter terrorism, IRGC, MOIS and ethnic conflicts in MENA. He graduated in International Security Studies (London M. University, UK), and in International Relations (CSU-LA). Erfan is a Jewish Kurd of Iran, and he is fluent in Persian, Kurdish, Arabic and English. / Follow him from this twitter account @EQFARD / He is the author of “The Gruesome Mullah” , which has been published in the USA. www.erfanfard.net .
And he has just published a new book, "Black Shabbat."


In "Black Shabbat," Erfan Fard offers a perceptive analysis of significant victories and defeats in combating radicalism, Islamic terrorism, and Shia brutal assaults. He provides essential insights into intelligence and policy for future conflicts.
The primary focus is to expose the criminal actions of the Ayatollahs in Tehran, particularly their role in inciting Islamic terrorism in the region, mainly against Israel. This narrative is significant as it addresses a major national security threat for the USA and Israel: the presence of Iranian regime sleeper cells.
This is a must-read for anyone seriously considering the issue of terrorism, presenting a compelling story about Israel's struggle against Hamas.