US Airstrike Kills Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani, Lets Break It Down

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Tensions remained quite high after the attack on the U.S. Embassy by Iranian-backed militia members. After the attack, President Trump tweeted that Iran would pay a “very BIG PRICE!” Well, they did. Last night, a U.S. led airstrike resulted in the death of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani at the Baghdad International Airport. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had stated that Maj. Gen. Soleimani is as dangerous as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi – the late Islamic State leader. Baghdadi died back in October of 2019 by a U.S. led raid in northwestern Syria.

The general response has really been all over the board. However, most Democrats have condemned the General, while also condemning President Trump taking military action without receiving congressional approval. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (CA-28) tweeted:

“Soleimani was responsible for unthinkable violence and world is better off without him. But Congress didn’t authorize and American people don’t want a war with Iran. All steps must now be taken to protect our forces against the almost inevitable escalation and increased risk.”

2020 Democratic Candidates weighed in as well – aligning with Chairman Schiff. Democratic Candidate and Former Vice President Joe Biden released this statement: 

“No American will mourn Qassem Soleimani’s passing. He deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region.”

He then added his concern for the Trump Administration:

“I fear this administration has not demonstrated at any turn the discipline or long-term vision necessary — and the stakes could not be higher.” 

Retired Brigadier General Anthony Tata fired back on Fox & Friends, “All this outcry about us attacking an individual. No, he was a terrorist.” The retired General also added that Soleimani had “further plans” to attack Americans. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said via Twitter that President Trump “took decisive, preemptive action to foil a plot directed at American personnel. As to what happens next: It should be clear to Iran that President Trump will not sit idly by if our people and interests are threatened.” 

Retired U.S. General David Patraeus indicated that Soleimani was “our most significant and evil adversary in the Greater Middle East.” The United States viewed Soleimani as a terrorist leader, but was also a powerful figure in Iran with the support of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

No one wants war. However, President Trump has shown the great military strength and power of the United States by not allowing the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Iran to go unpunished.