I spent a decade in Iraq and Afghanistan on both sides of Iran. I also lived in Yemen right before the Iranian-backed Houthis took over. The bulk of my professional career has been wrapped up in Iranian Surrogate groups. Including a stint in DC, where I specifically covered the Iranian Threat Network.
I am nearly 44. For my entire life the "Middle East" was a place of conflict. However, it was not until 2004/2005 while in Iraq as a US Soldier that I slowly, and painfully learned how much everything was tied to Iran. They were hands-down the number one source of violence. To be clear, Iran funds, fosters and foments violent proxy groups in at least the following places:
1) Yemen
2) Iraq
3) Pakistan
4) Afghanistan
5) Palestine
6) Lebanon
7) Syria
8) Bahrain
That does not even touch the MOIS (Iranian Intelligence) and IRGC (particularly QF or Quds Force) elements running significant operations around the globe. I spent a brief period of time for the US Government covering their efforts in Africa, Afghanistan and Latin America. Including an (albeit small, item that made it into the President's Daily Brief. Additionally, from 2007 to 2010 I wrote a number of academic papers for my university on the Iranian Threat Network with focus in Latin America and their writ large efforts.
In Yemen, I personally watched how the Iranian-backed Houthis slowly developed their pre-coup efforts. I even sat in a UN-run dialogue conference with Senior Houthi rebels, while causing a brief international incidence, as a Senior Houthi member stood (on camera) and cursed about my presence. For the rest of my time in Yemen I kinda had a whole fear-for-my-life deal.
I have other interactions with iran - some not to be mentioned here. One was notable, where I sat in the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq as Iranian-backed militias laid siege to the embassy on New Years Eve (2019/2020) while I hid in a safe room inside - later sipping whiskey with coworkers on cardboard boxes in a hallway - as our perimeter gates were burnt down.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is not good. They are hands-down the number one destabilizing factor of the Islamic world. Whereas ISIS/IS/ISIL/Daesh existed for a few years, the Iranian Threat Network has existed for a few decades. If you are a millenial, Iran has dictated the Middle East and more, our entire lives.
Whatever your domestic political positions, the Ayatollah of Iran's death is the greatest moment of the Middle East to find peace. It may come at a great cost - but It is worth it. As someone who has literally watched soldiers die in Iraq, I promise you, it is worth it,
When I was in Baghdad, a Hellfire missile removed General Soleimani from this life, not far form the US Embassy where I was. After an evacuation, upon my return, I printed off a photograph of his vehicle post-attack - smoldering metal. I framed it. I put it on my desk. It stayed there for years as a reminder. I never could have thought back then, that Ayatollah Khamenei would be out of the game.
Maybe everything else is fucked. Maybe. Maybe you disdain leaders involved. Maybe. But Like General Soleimani's death, like the death of Usama Bin Laden, the world is better for it.
I am nearly 44. For my entire life the "Middle East" was a place of conflict. However, it was not until 2004/2005 while in Iraq as a US Soldier that I slowly, and painfully learned how much everything was tied to Iran. They were hands-down the number one source of violence. To be clear, Iran funds, fosters and foments violent proxy groups in at least the following places:
1) Yemen
2) Iraq
3) Pakistan
4) Afghanistan
5) Palestine
6) Lebanon
7) Syria
8) Bahrain
That does not even touch the MOIS (Iranian Intelligence) and IRGC (particularly QF or Quds Force) elements running significant operations around the globe. I spent a brief period of time for the US Government covering their efforts in Africa, Afghanistan and Latin America. Including an (albeit small, item that made it into the President's Daily Brief. Additionally, from 2007 to 2010 I wrote a number of academic papers for my university on the Iranian Threat Network with focus in Latin America and their writ large efforts.
In Yemen, I personally watched how the Iranian-backed Houthis slowly developed their pre-coup efforts. I even sat in a UN-run dialogue conference with Senior Houthi rebels, while causing a brief international incidence, as a Senior Houthi member stood (on camera) and cursed about my presence. For the rest of my time in Yemen I kinda had a whole fear-for-my-life deal.
I have other interactions with iran - some not to be mentioned here. One was notable, where I sat in the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq as Iranian-backed militias laid siege to the embassy on New Years Eve (2019/2020) while I hid in a safe room inside - later sipping whiskey with coworkers on cardboard boxes in a hallway - as our perimeter gates were burnt down.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is not good. They are hands-down the number one destabilizing factor of the Islamic world. Whereas ISIS/IS/ISIL/Daesh existed for a few years, the Iranian Threat Network has existed for a few decades. If you are a millenial, Iran has dictated the Middle East and more, our entire lives.
Whatever your domestic political positions, the Ayatollah of Iran's death is the greatest moment of the Middle East to find peace. It may come at a great cost - but It is worth it. As someone who has literally watched soldiers die in Iraq, I promise you, it is worth it,
When I was in Baghdad, a Hellfire missile removed General Soleimani from this life, not far form the US Embassy where I was. After an evacuation, upon my return, I printed off a photograph of his vehicle post-attack - smoldering metal. I framed it. I put it on my desk. It stayed there for years as a reminder. I never could have thought back then, that Ayatollah Khamenei would be out of the game.
Maybe everything else is fucked. Maybe. Maybe you disdain leaders involved. Maybe. But Like General Soleimani's death, like the death of Usama Bin Laden, the world is better for it.
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