The Shadow Commander cover art

The Shadow Commander

Soleimani, the US, and Iran’s Global Ambitions

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The Shadow Commander

By: Arash Azizi
Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin
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About this listen

Until his assassination by US drone strike in January 2020, commander Qassem Soleimani was one of the most powerful men in Iran and the military spearhead for Iranian foreign policy, enacting the wishes of the country's Supreme Leader in the region. A widely popular but also feared maverick operator, he helped to establish the Islamic Republic as a major force in the Middle East, with interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. This was a long way from where he began as a youth, living on the margins in a country ruled by a monarch supported by the United States.

In this engaging account, historian Arash Azizi examines Soleimani's life, regional influence, and ambitions. The Shadow Commander breaks new ground through interviews with Iranians, Afghans, Iraqis, and Syrians who knew Soleimani for years, including his personal driver, the aides who accompanied him to his Moscow meeting with Vladimir Putin, and his brother. Ultimately, Azizi uses the story of this one important figure to make sense of the global ambitions of Iran, a country whose actions are much talked about but seldom understood.

©2020 Arash Azizi (P)2020 Tantor Historical Middle East Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Military Russia War Iran Royalty American Foreign Policy Iran Iraq War
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i think i understand the politics of the Middle East and Iran's role better now, although at times i got lost about who is who.

Very informative

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This is a fascinating insight into an area that very few in the west have any knowledge. It engenders a better understanding of the middle east and the sectarianism of Islam as well as the overall olitical agenda of some nations.

Fascinating insight

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it is an accurate report of Iran's recent history but it lacks the unbiased point of view into Major General Ghasem Soleimani. He saved many lives in Iraq and Syria as well as destroying the lives of his opponents. He wasn't a black or white character, he was a brave military expert and followed his orders.

a bit biased

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