Why was Qasem Soleimani killed?

The Inquiry

• Episode: Why was Qasem Soleimani killed?
• Website: The Inquiry
• Feed URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p029399x/episodes/downloads.rss
• Duration: 00:22:58
• Published: 2020-01-09 04:00

President Trump’s decision to assassinate Qasem Soleimani came as a shock to America’s foes and allies alike. He was Iran’s top general and has been described as one of the country’s most powerful figures, second only to the Supreme Leader Ayotollah Ali Khamenei. He was, effectively, head of Iran’s foreign policy. He’s been credited as being instrumental in the fight against ISIS but has also been accused of arming and supporting terror groups. But why did Donald Trump order his death?

Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: John Murphy

(Image: Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani / Photo handout from the Iranian Supreme Leader's office)