General Soleimani

General Soleimani’s View on Humanistic Aspects of Resistance vs. Terror: A Thematic Analysis of His Speeches during Two Last Years before Martyrdom Terrorizing general Soleimani in January 2020 has brought the confrontation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States into a new moment which is considered by many IR scholars as a paradigm shift. The present paper is an attempt to delve into the Western, in particular American, sources in order to find how they mis-represent Soleimani as the “leader of the terrorist front”. It, then, addresses an intentionally ignored side which is grasping Soleimani’s outlook on the resistance axis in term of a transnational front with a humanitarian outlook at its heart. The paper looks to produce such an alternative knowledge by employing Atlas.ti software and reflexive thematic analysis. It covers a comprehensive list of Soleimani’s speeches and will which were given during his last two years of life. The extracted motifs lead to four major themes, including: a) the individual maturity and empowerment as a prelude to shape the resistance front, b) the dominance of the transnational and global concerns, c) the disciplinary hierarchy within the resistance front, d) resistance as a log-term social and political engine of development.

The reason claimed by the Government of the United States (hereinafter the US) for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani (General Soleimani) was to prevent imminent attacks. This allegation implicitly evokes the Doctrine of "Preemptive Self-Defense". This article evaluates the US claim in the attack of General Soleimani as a preemptive self-defense through a critical analysis. The US resort to the doctrine of preemptive self-defense for the assassination lacks legal validity and is especially contrary to the provisions of the UN Charter, particularly Article (51). This assassination can be considered the illegal use of force by the US. According to the principle of prohibition on the use of force in international law practice, any premeditated attack before the beginning of armed aggression is not considered self-defense. Moreover, the US evidence in proving an imminent strike from General Soleimani is inadequate and unjustifying.

“The Legal Implications of the United States' Strike on General Soleimani, His Associates and Iran's Response” offers a comprehensive examination of the assassination of General Soleimani from the perspective of international law.  This book sheds light on the subject by delving into the various dimensions of international law, including international treaty law, international criminal law, the use of force in international law, humanitarian law, and the fight against terrorism, with a focus on elucidating the act of terrorism committed by the United States. The book's strengths lie in its emphasis on international treaties and its reflection of Eastern thought regarding the assassination of an anti-terrorism hero within the framework of international law. Furthermore, the book seeks to establish legal convergence in the Middle East regarding the assassination of General Soleimani and to counter United States’ Lawfare against Iran's authorities. However, the book falls short in failing to address certain recent developments, such as changes in foreign policy after the Trump Administration, Iran's intention to bring the case before the International Court of Justice, and the conclusion of legal proceedings concerning General Soleimani's assassination in Iran and Iraq.