Iranian general fatally shoots himself in the head by accident Iran-Iraq war veteran

[Insight]

Iranian general fatally shoots himself in the head by accident | The Times of Israel

Iranian general fatally shoots himself in the head by accident
Iran-Iraq war veteran Ghodratollah Mansouri’s gun went off while he was cleaning it, Revolutionary Guard website says
By AP
16 Dec 2018, 11:45 pm 7


TEHRAN — The website of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported Sunday that a general who fought in Syria and Iraq had allegedly accidentally killed himself while cleaning a gun.

Gen. Ghodratollah Mansouri shot himself in the head by accident while cleaning his pistol, according to the Sunday report.


The report added that Mansouri was veteran of the 1980s Iran-Iraq war and a “defender of the shrine,” a reference to Iranians who fight against the extremist Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.



Since 2014, Mansouri was a regional commander of the Guard’s ground forces in the northeastern city of Mashhad, some 900 kilometers (nearly 560 miles) east of the capital Tehran.Hundreds of Iranian forces have been killed fighting IS in Syria and Iraq

[randolph85]

Is this code for Israel killing him and the Iranian govt presenting this story?

Even if that isn’t the case, it’s embarrassing the amount of damage Israel has done on Iran on all fronts (cyber, military, economic) with barely a response from Iran.

[Firdousi]

Is this code for Israel killing him and the Iranian govt presenting this story?

Even if that isn’t the case, it’s embarrassing the amount of damage Israel has done on Iran on all fronts (cyber, military, economic) with barely a response from Iran.

Iran used to retaliate strongly before 2011. Since the Arab Spring began Iran has spent huge amounts of money, manpower and resources in Syria and Iraq. They know that if they retaliate they will give USA an excuse to spank them. Until Trump is gone and their (temporary) gains are secure they will keep a low profile.

[Insight]

Iran used to retaliate strongly before 2011. Since the Arab Spring began Iran has spent huge amounts of money, manpower and resources in Syria and Iraq. They know that if they retaliate they will give USA an excuse to spank them. Until Trump is gone and their (temporary) gains are secure they will keep a low profile.

I thought US was the "Great Satan" for Iran. I thought this was the war that they have been waiting for?

Minus one or two responses, Iran for the most part has never responded to Israeli strikes.

But wiping out Syria's Sunni population seems to be OK under excuse of fighting terrorism and "Zionist Takfiris."

[Firdousi]

I thought US was the "Great Satan" for Iran. I thought this was the war that they have been waiting for?

Minus one or two responses, Iran for the most part has never responded to Israeli strikes.

But wiping out Syria's Sunni population seems to be OK under excuse of fighting terrorism and "Zionist Takfiris."

You have bought this Western narrative about religious people being irrational and stupid but Iran despite being a theocracy is a quite rational player and has several times proved to be way smarter than all Western and Arab nations combined despite being regionally surrounded and isolated and facing a huge domestic nationalist opposition. So all this "Shaytan-e Bozorg" mumbo jumbo should be taken with a grain salt.

Anyway Iran has several times attacked soft Jewish targets. Israelis wouldnt be this nuts about Iran if the threat was not real.

[randolph85]

You have bought this Western narrative about religious people being irrational and stupid but Iran despite being a theocracy is a quite rational player and has several times proved to be way smarter than all Western and Arab nations combined despite being regionally surrounded and isolated and facing a huge domestic nationalist opposition. So all this "Shaytan-e Bozorg" mumbo jumbo should be taken with a grain salt.

Anyway Iran has several times attacked soft Jewish targets. Israelis wouldnt be this nuts about Iran if the threat was not real.

This is true but the Arabs and Israelis are finding that despite Iranian rhetoric, the red lines keep shifting east. A few years ago it was unthinkable to strike Iranian led militias let alone actual Iranian forces and their facilities in Syria. With such a weak response from Iran, it would be no surprise if Israel were to attack Iranian targets in Iraq. The only reason Lebanon hasn’t been attacked again is because of its governments good will with the west.

At a certain point Iran has to prove its military worth and it’s defense/offensive capabilities in order to keep its enemies at bay.

[Insight]

You have bought this Western narrative about religious people being irrational and stupid but Iran despite being a theocracy is a quite rational player and has several times proved to be way smarter than all Western and Arab nations combined despite being regionally surrounded and isolated and facing a huge domestic nationalist opposition. So all this "Shaytan-e Bozorg" mumbo jumbo should be taken with a grain salt.

Anyway Iran has several times attacked soft Jewish targets. Israelis wouldnt be this nuts about Iran if the threat was not real.

Are you familiar with sarcasm?


So Iran hits soft targets (civilians), and Israel keeps striking Iranian forces in Syria at will. What a difference?

We can conclude that Israel is waging a war of attrition against Iran. Jews take Iranian threats seriously because the last time they did not take threats seriously, millions of them were wiped out by Germany. That is a non issue. Just because Israel takes it seriously, does not mean it is accurate.

Iran has shown that all it can do is wage a genocidal campaign against Syria's Sunni population, and run away whenever Israel slaps and kicks them around

[Firdousi]

This is true but the Arabs and Israelis are finding that despite Iranian rhetoric, the red lines keep shifting east. A few years ago it was unthinkable to strike Iranian led militias let alone actual Iranian forces and their facilities in Syria. With such a weak response from Iran, it would be no surprise if Israel were to attack Iranian targets in Iraq. The only reason Lebanon hasn’t been attacked again is because of its governments good will with the west.

At a certain point Iran has to prove its military worth and it’s defense/offensive capabilities in order to keep its enemies at bay.

You are right but I believe you are making a mistake: its not lack of willingness but lack of money. Iranian economy has been crippled by the USA and reigonal wars. They cant afford an all out war against a combined force of Americans, Arabs and Israelis. They would lose. Thats why Iran will keep a low profile. Thye know the West is in decline. Sooner or later, they will leave and without the West Israel and KSA are nothing. Then Iran will be able to afford retaliation against Israel. For now they cant because that would trigger a major losing conflict.

Iran has proved already his military skills and to sum it up its cr*p. I have read so many articles about Hezbollah and how disappointed they are. Before war for Hezbollah Iran was like a sacred cow. But when they saw IRGC performance in Syria they lost all respect. Iranians were extremely bad organized and weak. Before Russia stepping in with its superior air power, there were already thousands of Shia militias and Iranian soldiers involved in the war and they were just unable to revert Sunni Islamist gains. When Rebels took Idlib province Soleimani panicked and went to Russia and begged for Russian support. That was the turning point.

Iran is a military weak nation. But its huge in territory and population, with a strong culture, total support from Shia communities (KSA lacks of Sunni support) and very well organized when it comes to playing politics. That scares the sh*t out of Zionists and Saudis.

[randolph85]

You are right but I believe you are making a mistake: its not lack of willingness but lack of money. Iranian economy has been crippled by the USA and reigonal wars. They cant afford an all out war against a combined force of Americans, Arabs and Israelis. They would lose. Thats why Iran will keep a low profile. Thye know the West is in decline. Sooner or later, they will leave and without the West Israel and KSA are nothing. Then Iran will be able to afford retaliation against Israel. For now they cant because that would trigger a major losing conflict.

Iran has proved already his military skills and to sum it up its cr*p. I have read so many articles about Hezbollah and how disappointed they are. Before war for Hezbollah Iran was like a sacred cow. But when they saw IRGC performance in Syria they lost all respect. Iranians were extremely bad organized and weak. Before Russia stepping in with its superior air power, there were already thousands of Shia militias and Iranian soldiers involved in the war and they were just unable to revert Sunni Islamist gains. When Rebels took Idlib province Soleimani panicked and went to Russia and begged for Russian support. That was the turning point.

Iran is a military weak nation. But its huge in territory and population, with a strong culture, total support from Shia communities (KSA lacks of Sunni support) and very well organized when it comes to playing politics. That scares the sh*t out of Zionists and Saudis.

I agree that Iran is a lot stronger internally than it has been portrayed in the media, despite protests and etc. However, I have the same impression of KSA as well. Both states are oppressive in the wrong ways but have incentivised support in their Sunni/Shia religious bases with money.

What I disagree about is the US leaving the Saudis and Israelis. Even if the US disengages from the region like Trumps announcement today about Syria, Jews and Arabs will be fine. Israel will always have a military edge on everyone and full US support no matter who is in power and Saudis will always have enough money to buy whatever toys it takes to counter Iran even if their armed forces in 2018 look like Afghan soldier recruits in 2002 doing jumping jacks.

Historically, the Islamic Republic has been more talk than action. When they try to attack Israel, it’s always been soft targets like in Argentina and even then they are caught red handed and the international blowback is worse than whatever they hoped to achieve by these attacks. That said, Hezbollah is the best thing Iran has going these days.

[khushal]

Why would Iran attack Israel. It can not take it on Militarily or economically. Israel and the Saudis fear Iran increasing influence in Iraq, Syria, Southern Lebanon. Their reach is growing and THE BOMB is an eventuality. They also would have access to trading ports on the Mediterranean. Russia has a Navy base in Tartus which is what they were defending when they went in. Everyone is in it for their own interests.

[Firdousi]

I agree that Iran is a lot stronger internally than it has been portrayed in the media, despite protests and etc. However, I have the same impression of KSA as well. Both states are oppressive in the wrong ways but have incentivised support in their Sunni/Shia religious bases with money.

What I disagree about is the US leaving the Saudis and Israelis. Even if the US disengages from the region like Trumps announcement today about Syria, Jews and Arabs will be fine. Israel will always have a military edge on everyone and full US support no matter who is in power and Saudis will always have enough money to buy whatever toys it takes to counter Iran even if their armed forces in 2018 look like Afghan soldier recruits in 2002 doing jumping jacks.

Historically, the Islamic Republic has been more talk than action. When they try to attack Israel, it’s always been soft targets like in Argentina and even then they are caught red handed and the international blowback is worse than whatever they hoped to achieve by these attacks. That said, Hezbollah is the best thing Iran has going these days.

I think there is a problem: we are overestimating the power of weapons and Israel and underestimating the power of diplomacy.

We are overestimating the power of weapons. KSA might be able to buy the most advanced weapons in the world but its army its still awful. They wont win a conventional war against Iran and they know it. Thats why they teaming up with Israel. And Israel has been using the USA for its own regional goals. USA has been fighting Israel´s wars for decades but sooner or later an anti Israeli president will emerge in the USA. Even Trump despite his strong support for those countries his current decision about pulling out from Syria is hurting USA´s regional allies.

I believe we are also overestimating Israel. This country amazing and successful record with comes to defeating states cant be denied. But when it comes to defeating non conventional forces such as Hezbollah and Hamas, Israel has failed miserably and its just unable to win.

At the same time, we are underestimating the power of diplomacy. Both KSA and Israel suck at it. They are both worldwide hated countries unable to do much without USA´s political and diplomatic umbrella. Diplomacy can even win wars. In Syria we saw how Rebels despite beating the hell out of regime´s troops they ended up losing the war because they really sucked and neglected diplomacy while Bashar had Iran and Putin on his side, both smart political players, who sidelined KSA and reached a smart agreement with Turkey by exploiting the rise of Rojava.

IMO Iran is a weak country, with weak military and weak economy. They cant win conventional wars. But as you pointed out right now they got Hezbollah and other unconventional militias and that makes Israel and KSA furious and scared because they know how difficult is defeating such movements (Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah are good reminders). Also Iran is way smarter than Israel and KSA when it comes to politics and diplomacy so all the artificial nation state friends of the USA will suffer in the coming decades without an hegemonic Uncle Sam. My point is that Iran does not need to retaliate. The mere presence of its proxies next to Israel´s and KSA´s borders and the deployment of Russian AA is more than enough to keep both countries awake at night.

[Insight]

I think there is a problem: we are overestimating the power of weapons and Israel and underestimating the power of diplomacy.

We are overestimating the power of weapons. KSA might be able to buy the most advanced weapons in the world but its army its still awful. They wont win a conventional war against Iran and they know it. Thats why they teaming up with Israel. And Israel has been using the USA for its own regional goals. USA has been fighting Israel´s wars for decades but sooner or later an anti Israeli president will emerge in the USA. Even Trump despite his strong support for those countries his current decision about pulling out from Syria is hurting USA´s regional allies.

I believe we are also overestimating Israel. This country amazing and successful record with comes to defeating states cant be denied. But when it comes to defeating non conventional forces such as Hezbollah and Hamas, Israel has failed miserably and its just unable to win.

At the same time, we are underestimating the power of diplomacy. Both KSA and Israel suck at it. They are both worldwide hated countries unable to do much without USA´s political and diplomatic umbrella. Diplomacy can even win wars. In Syria we saw how Rebels despite beating the hell out of regime´s troops they ended up losing the war because they really sucked and neglected diplomacy while Bashar had Iran and Putin on his side, both smart political players, who sidelined KSA and reached a smart agreement with Turkey by exploiting the rise of Rojava.

IMO Iran is a weak country, with weak military and weak economy. They cant win conventional wars. But as you pointed out right now they got Hezbollah and other unconventional militias and that makes Israel and KSA furious and scared because they know how difficult is defeating such movements (Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah are good reminders). Also Iran is way smarter than Israel and KSA when it comes to politics and diplomacy so all the artificial nation state friends of the USA will suffer in the coming decades without an hegemonic Uncle Sam. My point is that Iran does not need to retaliate. The mere presence of its proxies next to Israel´s and KSA´s borders and the deployment of Russian AA is more than enough to keep both countries awake at night.

Bro you overestimate Iran far too much. The facts speak

. Israel has not only just attacked Iranian forces but also Hezbollah and Assad forces as well as the numerous Shia militias in Syria. These airstrikes have been going on for years so much so that Iran has stopped threatening retaliation


And just resigns to accept the kicking.

This is not strategic or diplomatic. It is just weak and makes them look like a bully especially with their enthusiastic involvement in the Sunni bloodshed in Syria


Israel mum on US claims it hit Iraq militia in Syria

[Pakhton]

i make beeshe on iran on every iranian shia and their pro parsiwans too this khorasanis shia kafirs and mordagowan

[Insight]

Iran used to retaliate strongly before 2011. Since the Arab Spring began Iran has spent huge amounts of money, manpower and resources in Syria and Iraq. They know that if they retaliate they will give USA an excuse to spank them. Until Trump is gone and their (temporary) gains are secure they will keep a low profile.

"Excuse to spank them"

This comment reminds me of the garbage comments Iranian nationalists post on Press TV every time Israeli airforce strikes them in Syria

" Iran should not retaliate, that is what Israel wants"

"Israel is looking for an excuse to attack Iran, Iran should not respond. " Sttrrategic they say"

Iran is just pathetic.