Crescent International
The political backlash against US assassination of Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, commander of the Popular Mobilization Forces of Iraq, is continuing worldwide.
The recent public opinion survey from the Angus Reid Institute of Canada indicates that “52% [of Canadians] disapprove of the US airstrike that resulted in the death of a key Iranian general.”
The survey also pointed out that “two-thirds of Canadians (66%) now see the world as a ‘more dangerous place’ after Soleimani’s death.”
Thus, Gen. Soleimani’s assassination has further damaged the US’s already tarnished image.
Angus Reid’s findings are the latest indicator of the fact that Gen. Soleimani is more dangerous to Washington’s imperialist designs in death than he was when alive.
This shows that the decision to assassinate him was not only illegal under international law, it was also a strategic political blunder.
Prior to his assassination, General Soleimani was known mainly to Muslims for his role in developing the resistance front against Zionist Israel and for his role in defeating the takfiri take-over of Syria.
After his assassination, Gen. Soleimani has become the symbol of resistance against broader Western neo-colonialist intervention in the Muslim world.
In his role as military commander of special operations, Haj Soleimani was restricted in tackling the political and informational aspects of his work.
In martyrdom, he has become a symbol of political and military icon whose mission will be carried out by his successors.
General Soleimani’s assassination has also contributed to the elimination of the Iranian camp that hitherto advocated rapprochement with the US.
Iranian political groups no longer see rapprochement with the US as a reasonable political option.
The only policy option on the table now and for the near to medium-term future is how to end US presence in the region.
The latest Canadian survey shows that the US is seen as a reckless and disruptive force in global affairs even by societies which have a default favorable view of Washington.
This factor will significantly reduce Washington’s ability to form and maintain political and military alliances needed to maintain, even by force, its unwanted presence in the Middle East.
Iran’s precision strikes on two US military bases also undermined US alliance with its puppet regimes in the Arab world.
The Arabian despots now fully realize that when Tehran says it will respond, it means business.
Thus, the autocratic regimes will have to be more cautious in implementing Washington’s directives against Iran.
Being weak, these regimes will suffer grievously if the situation escalates.
