Fallout from the killing of General Soleimani

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

We're at the point now where this needs it's own thread.

After the assassination and the launching of Iranian missiles a Ukrainian 737 came down shortly after takeoff. US media is now quoting US and Iraqi intelligence sources who are confident this was the result of an accidental launch of an Iranian (Russian made) surface-to-air missile.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51055219

Separately, Iran is claiming it had prepared to fire "thousands" of missiles if the US retaliated. Significantly, the Iranian commander who made this statement was standing in front of the flags of most of the middle-eastern militias - including the ones Iran previously claimed not to control. The Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas...

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51051826

This strikes me as over-reach, and perhaps something General Soleimani would not have approved of.

So, yes, overall America's action has warmed up this particular powder-keg - but then America didn't make it a powder keg to begin with.

[rory_20_uk]

We're at the point now where this needs it's own thread.

After the assassination and the launching of Iranian missiles a Ukrainian 737 came down shortly after takeoff. US media is now quoting US and Iraqi intelligence sources who are confident this was the result of an accidental launch of an Iranian (Russian made) surface-to-air missile.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51055219

Separately, Iran is claiming it had prepared to fire "thousands" of missiles if the US retaliated. Significantly, the Iranian commander who made this statement was standing in front of the flags of most of the middle-eastern militias - including the ones Iran previously claimed not to control. The Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas...

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51051826

This strikes me as over-reach, and perhaps something General Soleimani would not have approved of.

So, yes, overall America's action has warmed up this particular powder-keg - but then America didn't make it a powder keg to begin with.

There's not much wrong with the Middle East that the USA hasn't at least made worse. Since they keep getting involved and have little if any understanding of what they're doing.

Russians helping shoot down a civilian plane? Sounds very familiar. And I bet they'd be delighted to egg both parties along since Russia wins.

I think / hope that bar all the posturing and barking not much more will come of this bar perhaps some more sanctions which the Chinese will be happy to work around.

~:smoking:

[Montmorency]

Reminder that there was still a perfectly good Iran thread all along.

Boeing, Ukraine, and Iran? You know the joke about crossover events.

I was wrong: neither Iran nor Israel actually want their own skin in the game taut. It's shocking, but not surprising, how badly the White House blundered.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-mideast-allies-brace-for-blowback-from-iranian-generals-killing-11578436178
https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2020-01-05/saudi-deputy-defense-minister-to-visit-washington-london-paper
https://www.thedailybeast.com/netanyahu-distances-from-soleimani-slaying-says-israel-shouldnt-be-dragged-into-it-report


I think / hope that bar all the posturing and barking not much more will come of this bar perhaps some more sanctions which the Chinese will be happy to work around.

~:smoking:

https://i.imgur.com/jRvDm06.jpg

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Now Trudaeu says he also believes it was Iran, poor man is looking rather the worse for wear.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51055219

[Montmorency]

ICYMI (https://twitter.com/HassanRouhani/status/1215856679423823872), Iran admitted to screwing up.



Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people.
Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752

The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake.

My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences.


Here is a site (https://spioenkop.blogspot.com/) Orgahs might like.

[Montmorency]

I was wrong: neither Iran nor Israel actually want their own skin in the game taut.

I just noticed this error. I meant Saudi Arabia and Israel.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

So, protests in Iran are in their second day and the Iranian Government briefly arrested the British Ambassador - before realising that was not a good idea and letting him go.

The fact that it was the Revolutionary Guard rather than the regular military that launched the missile has hurt their moral credibility and moral standing, after the various acts of repression over the last few years this incident seems to have caused things to boil over. Hardly likely to by "the end of the revolution" but it could see the balance of power shift from the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guard to the democratically elected government and regular military.

This won't make Iranians like the West any better, of course.