Hossein Salami – Supreme Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps | Biography

“Explore the life, military career, and strategic role of Hossein Salami, the Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

Introduction

Hossein Salami is a significant and prominent presence within Iran’s military and political arenas. Serving as the current Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he leads one of the most impactful and ideologically aligned military organizations in the Middle East. With years of experience, Salami has become a pivotal figure in formulating Iran’s defense policies, especially regarding asymmetric warfare, missile advancements, and strategies involving regional proxies.
His role positions him at the core of Iran’s military response to both domestic and foreign adversaries, establishing him as a crucial actor in the country’s ongoing opposition to Western powers, particularly the United States and Israel.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1959 in Golpayegan, Isfahan Province, Iran, Hossein Salami entered the military shortly following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Like many prominent commanders within the IRGC, he gained recognition during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988. This conflict markedly shaped Salami and his contemporaries, who emerged from it with robust military credentials and a profound ideological allegiance to the Islamic Republic.
In addition to his military endeavors, Salami has pursued academic qualifications, obtaining a Master’s degree in defense management from Iran’s Supreme National Defense University, an establishment that influences the strategic vision of the nation's highest military officials.

Rise in the IRGC Ranks

Salami's tenure in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spans more than forty years. Throughout this period, he has held various senior positions, including:

• Commander of the IRGC Air Force
• Deputy Commander of the IRGC
• Commander of IRGC training institutions

In 2005, he ascended to the role of Deputy Commander within the IRGC, operating under General Mohammad Ali Jafari. In this capacity, Salami played a significant role in refining Iran’s military strategies, emphasizing missile developments, cyber defense, and asymmetric warfare methodologies. He also oversaw foreign operations conducted by the IRGC, particularly in Syria and Iraq.
On April 21, 2019, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promoted Hossein Salami to Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, succeeding Jafari. This elevation coincided with escalating tensions between Iran and the U. S., particularly following the Trump administration's reinstatement of sanctions and the classification of the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

Military Doctrine and Strategic Vision

General Salami is recognized for his hardline principles and his strategic focus on resistance and deterrent capabilities. He endorses a robust, independent defense strategy aimed at counteracting what Iran perceives as Western imperialism and threats from the region. His leadership embodies the evolving military doctrine of the IRGC, which encompasses:

• Asymmetric Warfare: Prioritizing unconventional tactics, proxy militia operations, and cyber warfare over traditional military engagements.
• Missile Development: Under Salami’s leadership, Iran has diversified its ballistic missile capabilities, revealing advanced systems capable of striking U. S. bases and allies in the vicinity.
• Proxy Strategy: Providing support to factions like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq, as part of Iran’s "axis of resistance. "
• Salami is a firm proponent of employing both “soft and hard power” in tandem—cultural influence alongside military strength—to maintain Iran’s supremacy in the region.

Statements and Media Presence

General Salami is recognized for his assertive and frequently contentious public remarks. He regularly features in Iranian state media, articulating themes of resistance, anti-Zionism, and defiance toward the United States and its Western allies. His oratory often underscores Iran's military capabilities and readiness to respond to any acts of aggression.
Instances of his notable statements encompass:

• Threats of military action in response to the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
• Admonitions to Israel regarding regional instability and Iran's missile prowess.
• Commemorating Iran's drone and missile assaults as expressions of strength and deterrence.
• These public stances cement his reputation as a figure of resistance among Iran's conservative establishment and its backers.

Role in Regional Conflicts

Under Salami’s leadership, the IRGC has engaged directly and indirectly in several regional conflicts, including:

• Syria: Assisting President Bashar al-Assad’s government through IRGC advisers, drones, and military assets.
• Iraq: Training and supplying Shiite militias and aiding in the fight against ISIS while broadening Iranian influence.
• Lebanon: Ongoing support for Hezbollah, entailing missile transfers and strategic partnerships.
• Yemen: Assisting the Houthi rebels with technical and material support.

These engagements have positioned the IRGC, along with Salami, at the heart of the power dynamics in the Middle East.

Sanctions and Global Perception

Owing to his commanding position within the IRGC, Hossein Salami faces international sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union, and various other countries. These sanctions pertain to his participation in:

• Human rights abuses
• Military operations in other nations
• Advancements in Iran’s ballistic missile initiatives

In Western narratives, Salami is often depicted as a hardliner and military extremist, whereas within Iran, supporters see him as a defender of national sovereignty and a staunch protector of the Islamic Revolution.

Legacy and Impact

General Hossein Salami’s leadership signifies a pivotal moment in the IRGC’s history and Iran’s geopolitical approach. His primary accomplishments include:

• Augmenting Iran’s missile capabilities and defense systems
• Reinforcing Iran’s alliances with regional partners
• Advocating Iran’s military philosophy of deterrence and asymmetry
• Enhancing the IRGC’s influence as both a military and political entity in Iran

His impact is set to continue shaping Iran’s national security strategies and regional posture in the years ahead.

Mohammad Bagheri – A Key Figure in Iran’s Military Leadership | Biography

“Learn about General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, his military career, strategy, and regional influence.”

Introduction

Mohammad Bagheri stands as a highly significant and influential military leader within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Serving as the Chief of General Staff for the Armed Forces, he occupies the most senior position in Iran's military framework. His extensive career spans several decades, including positions in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), intelligence operations, and strategic military planning. Bagheri has emerged as a pivotal figure in crafting Iran's defense strategy, regional military initiatives, and the modernization of its armed forces.

Early Life and Background

Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1960, Mohammad Hossein Bagheri is occasionally known as Mohammad-Hossein Afshordi, a name he adopted during earlier phases of his military career. Coming from a family with a military background, he began his service in the armed forces at a young age, advancing through the ranks during significant moments in Iran's history, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988).
Bagheri possesses a PhD in political geography, illustrating his fascination with military strategy alongside geopolitical and regional issues. His scholarly expertise bolsters his responsibilities in military planning and strategic assessment, providing him with a robust intellectual base for his obligations.

Military Career and Role in the IRGC

Bagheri became a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) soon after it was established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Throughout the Iran-Iraq War, he held various commanding and intelligence-oriented positions. His background in military intelligence and operational leadership earned him significant esteem within the IRGC's ranks.
Through the years, Bagheri has been instrumental in evolving the IRGC from a revolutionary militia into a sophisticated, technologically proficient military force. He has contributed to modernizing Iran’s defense capabilities, which include the enhancement of missile systems, cyber warfare units, and drone technology.
His input into military strategy and planning has established him as a crucial player in Iran’s strategic decision-making processes, especially concerning asymmetric warfare and proxy combat strategies in the Middle East.

Chief of General Staff Appointment

In 2016, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Mohammad Bagheri as the Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, succeeding General Hassan Firouzabadi. This position elevates him at the pinnacle of Iran's military hierarchy, overseeing both the IRGC and the regular military (Artesh). It signifies the increasing prominence of the IRGC within Iran’s military and political framework.
As Chief of General Staff, Bagheri bears the responsibility of:

• Coordinating activities between the IRGC and the Artesh
• Formulating and executing national defense strategies
• Supervising advancements in the defense industry
• Directing military engagement in regional conflicts (e.g., Syria, Iraq, Yemen)

Regional Influence and Strategic Vision

General Bagheri is a fundamental architect of Iran’s regional military doctrine, which heavily emphasizes the use of proxy forces and asymmetric warfare. He has advocated for the IRGC Quds Force’s participation in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, where Iran maintains its influence through organizations such as Hezbollah and various Shiite militias.
Bagheri has highlighted the significance of maritime security, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions frequently escalate with the United States and its partners. He supports Iran’s authority to secure and manage its territorial waters, having supervised various naval exercises to showcase Iran’s defense capabilities.

Statements and Diplomatic Role

While mainly recognized as a military figure, Mohammad Bagheri often voices his views on strategic matters, covering Iran’s connections with neighboring countries, the United States, and Israel. His remarks are typically resolute and assertive, embodying Iran’s comprehensive stance of resistance.
Additionally, he has engaged in military diplomacy by visiting nations such as Syria, Turkey, and Russia, discussing potential military collaborations and regional security initiatives. These journeys demonstrate his function as both a commander and a strategist involved in global military affairs.

Sanctions and Western Perception

Owing to his prominent role in Iran’s military engagements and support for proxy forces in the region, Bagheri has faced sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. Western nations accuse him of facilitating terrorism, stifling domestic opposition, and breaching international arms restrictions.
Nonetheless, within Iran, he is viewed as a protector of national integrity and a symbol of defiance against foreign threats.

Legacy and Significance

Mohammad Bagheri has made a significant impact on Iran’s military doctrine and strategic stance. He has:

• Been instrumental in advancing Iran’s military technologies
• Fortified Iran’s defenses against potential external dangers
• Strengthened the connection between military initiatives and foreign policy
• Improved collaboration between the IRGC and conventional armed forces

His leadership continues to influence Iran’s position in Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly in contexts where Tehran seeks to extend its influence or resist Western intervention.

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine | Ilan Pappe | PDF Free Download

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé – A Controversial Reexamination of 1948

Introduction: Challenging the Official Narrative

Ilan Pappé's The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine (2006) stands out as one of the most thought-provoking and thoroughly examined works concerning the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. As an Israeli scholar, Pappé contests established Zionist perspectives by detailing what he characterizes as a deliberate effort to forcibly displace Palestinians from their territory during the establishment of Israel.

Also Read: A Short History of the Conflict in Palestine-Israel 
This pioneering publication:

• Utilizes declassified Israeli documents
• Identifies military leaders and politicians involved
• Offers comprehensive accounts of obliterated villages
• Makes a strong case for intentionality

Key Arguments and Revelations

1. The "Plan Dalet" Blueprint

• Pappé provides compelling proof that the expulsion of Palestinians was:
• Not a spontaneous act but rather premeditated
• Outlined in the Haganah’s Plan Dalet (March 1948)
• Systematically carried out between 1947 and 1949

2. Documented Methods of Expulsion

• The narrative elaborates on how around 750,000 Palestinians were forced out through:
• Massacres (Deir Yassin, Tantura)
• Psychological tactics (sound bombs, false information)
• Destruction of homes
• Prevention of return (obliterated villages)

3. The 11 "Cleansing" Operations

• Pappé delineates particular military actions that specifically targeted Palestinian communities, such as:
• Operation Nachshon (April 1948)
• Operation Hiram (October 1948)
• Operation Horev (December 1948)

Why This Book Matters Today

Academic Impact

• Offers an essential counterargument to conventional Israeli historiography
• Bolsters Palestinian oral testimonies with documented support
• Influenced subsequent works like Benny Morris's updated research

Political Relevance

• Directly confronts assertions of Nakba denial
• Sheds light on ongoing discussions regarding the right of return
• Calls into question Israel's founding mythology

Critical Reception and Controversy

Supportive Views

"Pappé's work compels us to face unsettling facts about 1948 that many would prefer to keep hidden. "

Edward Said
Criticisms

• Critics claim selective sourcing
• Benny Morris contests the notion of "premeditation"
• Some argue it exaggerates the level of coordination among leaders

Who Should Read This Book?

• Historians analyzing 1948 from diverse viewpoints
• Advocates concerned with Palestinian rights
• Individuals seeking insight into the origins of the current conflict
• Readers who valued The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem (Morris)

Final Verdict: Essential But Controversial

Despite its critics, The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine is an essential text that:

• Provides documented proof of displacement
• Amplifies Palestinian narratives
• Questions dominant historical accounts

The Israel Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War | James L. Gelvin | PDF Free Download

The Israel-Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War by James L. Gelvin – An Authoritative Historical Overview

Introduction: A Century of Conflict Examined

James L. Gelvin’s The Israel-Palestine Conflict: One Hundred Years of War is regarded as one of the most credible and impartial histories of this long-standing dispute. With its recent editions, this work thoroughly investigates the period from the late Ottoman era to the 21st century, providing essential context for current news stories.

Read Also: The Question of Palestine and the United Nations  

Why This Book Is Unique

• Objective academic viewpoint from an esteemed historian of the Middle East
• Explores both political and societal aspects of the conflict
• Updated to include the latest developments (such as tensions in the 2020s)
• Clear and approachable writing suitable for students and general audiences alike

Key Sections and Insights

1. Foundations (1880s-1948)

• The decline of the Ottoman Empire and the British Mandate: The influence of European powers on the region
• Conflicting national movements: The influx of Zionist immigrants contrasted with Palestinian opposition
• 1948 War and Nakba: The establishment of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians

2. Wars and Occupation (1949-1993)

• The Six-Day War of 1967: Israel's acquisition of the West Bank, Gaza, and Golan Heights
• The emergence of the PLO: Transitioning from a guerrilla group to an established political organization
• First Intifada (1987): A grassroots uprising among Palestinians

3. Peace Efforts and Their Unraveling (1993-Present)

• Oslo Accords: Milestones and unfulfilled commitments
• Second Intifada: Breakdown of peace discussions
• Hamas control of Gaza: Fragmentation of Palestinian governance
• Recent conflicts: The 2021 Gaza War and the 2023 Hamas attacks

Distinctive Value and Approach

1. Dual Narrative Framework

• Gelvin skillfully outlines both Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints without bias, allowing readers to grasp:
• Zionist goals and security issues
• Palestinian realities of occupation and resistance
• The evolution of both narratives over time

2. Beyond Military Conflict

• This book delves into often-neglected aspects:
• Economic consequences of occupation
• Influence of global players (US, UN, Arab nations)
• Evolving demographics and settlement activities

3. Updated Insights

• Newer editions incorporate key events:
• Trump’s “Deal of the Century”
• Abraham Accords and processes of Arab normalization
• Shifts in US policy under President Biden

Who Should Read This?

• Students at universities studying Middle Eastern affairs
• Journalists requiring historical perspective
• Analysts focused on conflict resolution
• General readers seeking an impartial account of history

Minor Critiques

• Could delve deeper into cultural aspects
• Requires more extensive exploration of refugee matters
• Limited attention to religious considerations

Final Assessment: The Benchmark

Gelvin’s book stands as the most trustworthy single-volume account of the conflict, offering:

• Detailed chronological record
• Balanced view of both sides
• Vital context for understanding current events