No. 1 • January 2012

Esmail Qaani: The Next Revolutionary Guards Quds Force Commander?

By Ali Alfoneh

This is the fourth in a series of Middle Eastern Outlooks about the IRGC QF.1

Should Major General Qassem Suleimani, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force (IRGC QF) commander, pursue a political career ahead of ’s 2013 presidential election, he may be replaced by Brigadier General , IRGC QF deputy. Qaani is uncharismatic and a less distinguished military commander than Suleimani, but his operational battlefield experience, network within the IRGC, and long history of acquaintance with Supreme Leader qualify him for such an appointment.

The Iranian media’s coverage of Major General Eastern Outlook, the fourth in a series about the Qassem Suleimani, IRGC QF commander, reached IRGC QF, presents data on Qaani extracted new heights after calls for his assassination in two from Persian-language open-source material and expert testimonies presented at the October 26, discusses Qaani’s relationship with Suleimani. 2011, session of the US House Committee on Homeland Security.2 The media attention was followed by the Iranian parliament’s November 2, Key points in this Outlook: 2011, declaration of support for the IRGC QF.3 The intense media exposure of Suleimani in • A rift among ruling elites, harsher sanc- Iran may be a sign that he is the choice of the tions, and the threat of strikes against its Iranian political leadership’s for the next head nuclear facilities means the regime is looking for a leader like Islamic Revolu- of the executive branch. He may not be a great tionary Guards Corps Quds Force (IRGC QF) statesman, but in the face of increased military Commander Qassem Suleimani to unify threats against Iran’s nuclear program and a height- the nation. ened level of friction between the civilian leaders of the Islamic Republic, Suleimani, the hero from • Should Suleimani pursue politics, he the war with , could serve as a unifying figure. may be replaced by his deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, who is believed to There is no information available about succes- be directing the IRGC QF’s activities in sion patterns in the IRGC QF command, but Afghanistan. should Suleimani leave his position as IRGC QF commander and pursue a political career, he may • While Qaani has the battlefield-hardened be replaced by Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, credibility to command the Quds Force, IRGC QF deputy, about whom little is written in his focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and central Asia raises important questions as English-language open-source material. This Middle the United States is planning its military Ali Alfoneh ([email protected]) is a resident fellow withdrawal from Afghanistan. at AEI. - 2- Esmail Qaani: A Biography The earliest documented reference to Qaani as an IRGC QF commander appears in Mohammad Mohad- According to Green Movement opposition sources, Qaani dessin’s 1993 edition of Islamic Fundamentalism—The was born in Bojnord in North Khorasan province,4 which New Global Threat, in which Qaani is identified as Fourth corresponds with his military career in various IRGC units Ansar Corps of the IRGC QF commander.16 According from the province and his frequent presence in the Razavi to Mohaddessin, the Fourth Ansar Corps is “responsible Khorasan and North Khorasan provinces.5 (See appen- for Guards Corps’ activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, dix.) Qaani’s date of birth is unknown, but he appears and Asian republics,”17 which supports the hypothesis slightly older than the fifty-four-year-old Suleimani. on Qaani’s engagements with the Northern Alliance in Qaani has at least one son, Ali Qaani, who is suppos- the 1990s. edly a student of electrical engineering at the Mashhad branch of Azad University.6 This source also writes that the son was allegedly arrested for participating in anti- The intense media exposure of Suleimani government rallies in 2009 at university campuses in in Iran may be a sign that he is the choice 7 Mashhad. Qaani has dismissed this claim. The open- of the Iranian political leadership’s for the source materials also refer to a certain “Dr. Ghaani”—the alternative Latin transliteration of Qaani—who is the next head of the executive branch. principal of the Shi’a Islamic College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and may be related to the IRGC QF deputy.8 It would make sense that a relative of Qaani is engaged in A second reference to Qaani—this time as IRGC QF religious missionary work of the Intelligence Ministry. deputy commander—appears in an Iraqi intelligence The earliest record of Qaani’s activities in the IRGC dates schematic of the QF organization, dated 2000,18 which back to December 1982, when then IRGC Commander has a striking resemblance to Mohaddessin’s IRGC QF Mohsen Rezai tasked a leading IRGC commander from Isfa- organizational chart. It is, therefore, likely that Qaani was han, Morteza Qorbani, to identify competent guardsmen to appointed QF deputy commander during the escalation of form a division from Khorasan province.9 Qorbani presented Iran and the Taliban sometime between 1993 and 2000. three individuals to Rezai who would compose the nucleus Later reports on Qaani’s military career appear contra- of the newly established division, which was later called the dictory. On May 6, 2006, Major General Yahya Rahim Fifth Nasr Division: Nour-Ali Shoushtari, a key IRGC Safavi appointed Qaani IRGC counterintelligence commander who was assassinated on October 18, 2009, in deputy, serving under Hojjat al-Eslam Gholam-Hossein Pishin in Sistan va Baluchestan province;10 Mohammad- Ramezani,19 but in press reports since May 6, 2006, Qaani Baqer Qalibaf, currently mayor of Tehran; and Qaani.11 is presented as IRGC QF deputy. (See appendix.) The dual Toward the end of the war with Iraq, Rezai appointed Qaani function of Qaani as both IRGC QF deputy and IRGC Fifth Nasr Division commander, replacing Qalibaf.12 counterintelligence deputy is unusual, but not implausible. In the immediate aftermath of the war, on August 17, 1988, Rezai appointed Qaani division deputy of the IRGC Qaani’s War-Era Experiences and Leadership Ground Forces’ eighth operational zone, headquartered in Mashhad.13 The Persian-language open-source material In the course of the war against Iraq, Qaani and the Fifth does not provide any information about Qaani’s activities Nasr Division participated in successful operations such as from August 1988 to the late 1990s, but one can safely Ashura (October 18–22, 1984),20 liberating the Fasil and assume that Qaani was involved in suppressing the June Garkoni heights in the north of Meimak;21 the Valfajr 1992 social unrest in Mashhad.14 It is equally likely that VIII operation (February 9–April 29, 1986),22 capturing Qaani was involved in the IRGC’s operations against drug al-Faw Peninsula;23 Karbala I (June 30–July 10, 1986),24 cartels infiltrating Khorasan province from Afghanistan15 liberating Mehran;25 Nasr VIII (November 20–21, 1987),26 and in the IRGC’s support to the Jebhe-ye Mouttahid-i stabilizing the Iranian positions around Maoot;27 and Islami-yi Milli Bara-yi Nijat-i Afghanistan [United Islamic Karbala V (January 9–March 3, 1987),28 capturing Shalam- National Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan], also cheh.29 However, Qaani also participated in the disastrous known as the Northern Alliance, against the Taliban in Beit al-Moqaddas VII operation (June 25, 1988),30 which the late 1990s. resulted in the Iranian debacle at Majnoun peninsula.31 - 3- Qaani is at least partially to blame for the defeat at with Iraq and make only passing remarks to internal Iran- Majnoun, since he served as Fifth Nasr Division ian affairs. More recently, both men have started com- commander during the operation. menting on the Arab Spring, or “the Islamic awakening” in the Islamic Republic’s official parlance. Decision makers planning US military However, their styles are also remarkably different. withdrawal from Afghanistan can safely While the charismatic Suleimani, particularly in his youth, managed to move men with his simple vocabulary assume that an IRGC QF led by Qaani and deeply personal and humble style, Qaani’s speeches would engage much more aggressively in seem completely impersonal and rehearsed and do not reveal much about him. Afghanistan and central Asia. While Suleimani is usually more direct in his speeches, Qaani hides behind official rhetoric. This is particularly Qaani seems to share Suleimani’s ability for improvisa- true of Qaani’s few remarks on internal affairs in Iran.40 tion in military operations. While planning the Nasr Also, Qaani’s statements on regional developments closely VIII operation, for example, Qaani suggested alternative echo the platitudes of the political level: “The Islamic ways of transporting automobiles to the other side of the Republic is the safe haven of all [world revolutionary] Qal’e-Cholan River even before the bridge had been movements,” Qaani said on one occasion.41 The same goes built.32 Another characteristic Suleimani and Qaani share for Qaani’s statements about martyrs,42 and standard is their participation in high-risk reconnaissance missions mantra on the Arab spring as continuity of “the path of prior to military operations.33 Like Suleimani, Qaani Iran’s Islamic revolution.”43 He has even claimed that “the stresses the importance of the IRGC commanders acting sacred defense” (the Iran/Iraq War) is the “role model of the as the vanguards of the forces during attacks rather than current Islamic awakening [Arab Spring] in the region.”44 leading from behind.34 Qaani’s war-era record does not display the same Qaani’s Network degree of distinction as Suleimani’s, but at times Qaani has displayed the courage to question the wisdom of Qaani and Suleimani belong to the same network,45 but decisions made by his superiors. On September 29, 1987, Qaani also seems to have a long history of relations with Qaani engaged in a fierce debate with , Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In a recently published IRGC Ground Forces commander, over the ability of the booklet commemorating Khamenei’s war-era activities, IRGC to fight in the Maoot operational zone.35 The day Qaani is one of eight surviving war veterans who describes after this meeting, Qaani questioned the ability of the his encounter with Khamenei during the war.46 Qaani IRGC Logistics division to provide food for his men.36 reveals that Khamenei, a native of Mashhad, would lead However, the war-era records also indicate fundamen- mourning ceremonies for Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of tal differences between Suleimani and Qaani. While the Shi’a buried in Khorasan, with “the boys from Mash- Suleimani was a charismatic leader universally loved had,” who served in the Fifth Nasr Division during the by the men under his command—a theme often referred war with Iraq.47 Qaani and Khamenei are also indirectly to in the open-source materials—only one source connected through Qaani’s superior Shoushtari, who describes Qaani as a popular commander.37 Another knew Khamenei even before the revolution.48 source describes the young Qaani as “a thin youth with an innocent face . . . a humble man.”38 Qaani also seems Suleimani and Qaani: Physical Presence to have faced many challenges from his men, who wanted to fight on the southern front to escape the cold, poor A survey of the whereabouts of Suleimani and Qaani since provisions and the Kurdish insurgents in the north.39 the end of the war with Iraq in 1988, drawing on available open-source materials, provides strong indications of the Ideological Tenets of Qaani’s Thinking division of labor between the two, with Qaani’s primary responsibility being Afghanistan. (See appendix.) Suleimani’s and Qaani’s speeches reveal both their The survey has produced about 135 entries concern- similarities and differences. They both extensively use ing the physical whereabouts of Suleimani and Qaani: the standard IRGC praise of the martyrs from the war 68 references to Suleimani and 67 references to Qaani. - 4- According to this data, since the end of the war with Iraq hour stay, before continuing on to Bolivia, Venezuela, and in 1988, Suleimani and Qaani were present at the same Senegal.54 Since Brazil considers the IRGC QF a terrorist time and place on only a single occasion: the September organization, Qaani’s presence proved controversial. In a 28, 2009, Quds Day celebration in . This may be a later inquiry, Brazilian Senator Eduardo Azeredo, chairman security measure so that in case of an assassination plot at of the Joint Committee for the Control of Intelligence least one of the two would survive. This could also mean Activities, asked the Brazilian justice minister if Qaani was that Qaani conducts the day-to-day administration of the part of Ahmadinejad’s entourage during the visit to Brazil.55 IRGC QF when Suleimani attends ceremonial events. The justice minister dismissed Qaani’s presence in Brasilia, According to the data, Suleimani and Qaani spend sig- but the Brazilian Federal Police Department later admitted nificant time in their respective hometowns. Since 1988, that Qaani had accompanied Ahmadinejad and was we find eighteen references to Suleimani’s public appear- granted a transit visa by Brazilian authorities.56 ances in Kerman and twenty-nine references to Qaani’s Slightly more references exist to Suleimani’s interna- public appearances in Razavi Khorasan province in the tional travels. Suleimani’s earliest documented foreign same period. The Iranian press does not refer to Suleimani visit was on January 21, 1999, to Tajikistan,57 which and Qaani’s visits to IRGC QF bases, but Qaani’s signifi- probably served the purpose of arming the anti-Taliban cant presence in Razavi Khorasan province is of great Afghan groups. The second reference in the open-source importance. According to the Iraqi intelligence report, materials is Suleimani’s April 2006 visit to the Green the QF has four regional commands dedicated to the areas Zone in Baghdad.58 Around May 1, 2008, Suleimani held immediately surrounding Iran, and the Fourth IRGC QF negotiations with Iraqi authorities in the Iran/Iraq border base is in Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan.49 One area,59 and on September 10, 2009, Suleimani allegedly can therefore assume that Qaani’s presence in Mashhad is held talks with the Iraqi president in Sulaymaniyah, due to his role as commander of the Fourth QF Corps. Iraq.60 Suleimani’s latest documented trip is his Decem- There are also other factors indicating Qaani’s engage- ber 2009 visit to Damascus, Syria.61 ment in Afghanistan: The Iranian press has reported that Without additional information about Qaani’s interna- significant numbers of Afghan refugees and immigrants tional travels, one cannot draw any conclusions, but based attend Qaani’s speeches in Razavi Khorasan.50 Other on this information Qaani may oversee the IRGC QF references in the Iranian press document Qaani’s participa- activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and central Asia, tion in poetry evenings with Afghan Mujahedeen—and along with more distant countries in Africa and South Guantanamo Bay detention camp veterans such as Seyyed America, while Suleimani attends to the security con- Ali-Shah Mousavi Gardizi.51 According to Gardizi, the cerns in western Iran, such as developments in Iraq, United States Army accused him of working to topple Syria, and Lebanon. “the government [of Afghanistan], plan a popular uprising and surrender Paktia [province in eastern Afghanistan] to Conclusion the opponents.”52 Such associations may provide further indication of Qaani’s charge over the IRGC QF operations In the face of increasing divisions among the ruling elites in Afghanistan. of the Islamic Republic, ever-harsher sanctions against There are twelve references to Suleimani’s presence in Iran, and the threat of military strikes against Iran’s Tehran since 1988 and only two references to Qaani’s pres- nuclear facilities, the regime is in search of a public figure ence in the capital in the same period, which may be because capable of unifying the nation. Few people other than of Suleimani’s functions as IRGC QF commander. Other Suleimani can play such a role, and the intensified press provinces in which Suleimani and Qaani have made public coverage of his public appearances may suggest that appearances are Bandar Abbas, Fars, Gilan, Isfahan, Suleimani will soon leave his position in the IRGC QF Kurdistan, North Khorasan, Qom, Semnan, and Yazd. and pursue a career in politics. Therefore, it is all the more Few sources refer to the international travels of important to pay attention to Qaani, who may replace Suleimani and Qaani, but these deserve mention. Suleimani as IRGC QF commander. The open-source materials refer only once to Qaani’s The relationship between Qaani—the potential international travels. On November 23, 2009, President IRGC QF commander—and Suleimani—the potential , accompanied by “200 business chief executive—may be too early to predict. Qaani’s leaders,”53 flew to Brasilia from Gambia for a twenty-four- battlefield experience, network within the IRGC, and - 5- long acquaintance with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei 8. “Sierra Leone: Muslims Observe Ashura,” Africa News, may aid him as Suleimani’s replacement, but there is no January 21, 2008. doubt that the uncharismatic and less distinguished Qaani 9. “Nagofteh-ha-yi Darbareh-ye Sardar.” would have great difficulties filling Suleimani’s boots. 10. “Gozideh-I az Zendegi-ye Sardar-e Shahid Shoushtari” That Qaani directs the IRGC QF’s activities in [Parts of the Biography of the Martyred Commander Shoushtari], Afghanistan, Pakistan, and central Asia may also provide Farda News (Tehran), October 19, 2011, www.fardanews.com an indication that he would focus primarily on Afghanistan /fa/pages/?cid=93681 (accessed October 6, 2011). as IRGC QF commander. Decision makers planning US 11. “Nagofteh-ha-yi Darbareh-ye Sardar.” military withdrawal from Afghanistan can safely assume 12. Mehdi Ansari and Mahmoud Yazdanfam, Rouzshomar-e that an IRGC QF led by Qaani would engage much more Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq War Chronology] (Tehran: Sepah-e aggressively in Afghanistan and central Asia. Pasdaran-e Enghelab-e Eslami, 2008), 51:475. 13. “Moarefeh-ye Farmandeh-ye Sepah-e Thamen al-Aemeh” The author thanks AEI scholars Danielle Pletka and Frederick Kagan, along with Michael Eisenstadt, Washington Institute [Appointment of the Thamen al-Aemeh Guards Commander], for Near East Policy senior fellow, for their advice. Mohsen Rezaei’s website (Tehran), August 17, 1988, www.rezaee.ir /vdcg.u9urak9utpr4a.txt (accessed November 2, 2011). Notes 14. “Hundreds Arrested in Iranian City Riots,” The Herald (Glasgow), June 1, 1992; “ Forces Mobilised Following 1. For the previous Outlooks in the series, see Ali Alfoneh, Disturbances in Mashhad and Other Cities,” Voice of the Islamic “Brigadier General Qassem Suleimani: A Biography,” AEI Middle Republic of Iran, June 16, 1992. Eastern Outlook (January 2011), ww.aei.org/outlook/foreign-and- 15. “Iran Measures to Combat Drug Trafficking and Addiction,” defense-policy/regional/middle-east-and-north-africa/brigadier- IRNA in English, December 27, 1988; “Drug Traffickers Hanged,” general-qassem-suleimani-a-biography/; Ali Alfoneh: “Iran’s Secret IRNA in English, November 28, 1990. Network: Major General Qassem Suleimani’s Inner Circle,” 16. Mohammad Mohaddessin, Islamic Fundamentalism—The AEI Middle Eastern Outlook (March 2011), www.aei.org/outlook New Global Threat (Washington DC: Seven Locks Press, 1993, /foreign-and-defense-policy/regional/middle-east-and-north-africa 2001), 200. /irans-secret-network/; and Ali Alfoneh, “Iran’s Most Dangerous 17. Ibid, 201. General,” AEI Middle Eastern Outlook (July 2011), www.aei.org 18. “Harmony Document ISGZ-2005-001122-19954” quoted in /outlook/foreign-and-defense-policy/regional/middle-east-and-north- Joseph Felter and Brian Fishman, Iranian Strategy in Iraq (New York: africa/irans-most-dangerous-general/. Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, 2008), 18. 2. John M. Keane, congressional testimony, House Homeland 19. “Bargozari-ye Marasem-e Moarefeh . . .” [Ceremony of Security and House Intelligence Committee, 112th Cong., October Presentation . . .], Ettela’at (Tehran), May 7, 2006, www.magiran.com 26, 2011, http://homeland.house.gov/sites/homeland.house.gov /npview.asp?ID=1059288 (accessed September 26, 2011). /files/Testimony%20Keane.pdf (accessed November 17, 2011). 20. Hadi Nokh’i, Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq 3. “Hemayat-e Qate’-e Majles Az Sepah-e Qods” [Decisive War Chronology] (Tehran: Markaz-e Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, Support of the Parliament to the Quds Force], Mehr News (Tehran), 2000), 33:454. November 2, 2011, www.mehrnews.com/fa/newsdetail.aspx?News 21. Mohsen Rashid et al., Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/ ID=1450503 (accessed November 2, 2011). Iraq War Atlas] (Tehran: Markaz-e Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, 4. “Bazdasht-e Farzand-e Yeki az Sardaran . . .” [Arrest of the Son 2000), 60. of One of the Commanders Opposed . . .], Iran Green Voice (not 22. Mehdi Ansari, Yahya Fouzi, and Ali-Reza Lotfollahzadegan, known), March 16, 2010, www.irangreenvoice.com/article/2010 Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq War Chronology] /mar/16/2035 (accessed October 11, 2011). (Tehran: Markaz-e Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, 2008), 44:717. 5. “Nagofteh-ha-yi Darbareh-ye Sardar” [Untold Stories about 23. Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 74. the Commander], Misagh 8 Blog (Tehran), October 22, 2010, 24. Yahya Fouzi and Ali-Reza Lotfollahzadegan, Rouzshomar-e http://misagh8.mihanblog.com/post/131 (accessed September 27, Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq War Chronology] (Tehran: Markaz-e 2011). Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, 2008), 43:37. 6. “Bazdasht-e Farzand-e Yeki az Sardaran-e . . .” 25. Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 60. 7. “Dorough-pardazi-ye Sayt-ha . . .” [Fabrication of Lies by the 26. Hossein Ardestani, Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/ Websites . . .], Fars News (Tehran), March 17, 2010, www.farsnews Iraq War Chronology] (Tehran: Markaz-e Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e .com/newstext.php?nn=8812261009 (accessed October 11, 2011). Jang, 2003), 52:32. - 6-

27. Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 96. Qadam Be Qadam Dar Hal-e Gostaresh-e Nirouha-ye Nezami-ye 28. Mohammad-Hossein Jamshidi and Mahmoud Yazdanfam, Khod Dar Libi Hastand” [The Americans Are Expanding Their Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq War Chronology] Military Presence in Libya Step by Step], RO-Defa (Tehran), March (Tehran: Markaz-e Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, 2008), 47:160. 7, 2011, www.ro-defa.ir/1390-04-08-06-41-55/1390-04-08-06-49- 29. Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 77. 32/518-1389-12-17-07-08-54.html (accessed October 11, 2011). 30. Mehdi Ansari and Mahmoud Yazdanfam, Rouzshomar-e Jang- 44. “Defa’-e Moqaddas Olgou-ye Bidari-ye Eslami . . .” [The e Iran va Eraq [Iran/Iraq War Chronology] (Tehran: Markaz-e Sacred Defense is the Role Model for the Islamic Awakening . . .], Motale’at va Tahqiqat-e Jang, 2008), 51:739. IRNA (Tehran), September 29, 2010, www.irna.ir/NewsShow.aspx? 31. Atlas-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 109. NID=30586902 (accessed October 11, 2011). 32. Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 52:32. 45. Alfoneh, “Iran’s Secret Network.” 33. Ibid., 51:350. 46. “Mo’avenat-e Farhangi-ye Moassesseh-ye Revayat-e Sireh-ye 34. “Modiriyat-e ‘Biayi’ . . .” [‘Go’ Managerial Style], Shohada: Jay-e Pa-ye Baran” [The Footprint of Rain], Qom: Moavenat- Majmoueh-ye Honar (Tehran), 2003, www.noormags.com e Farhangi-ye Moassesseh-ye Revayat-e Sireh-ye Shohada, n.d., 10. /view/fa/ArticlePage/185793 (accessed November 26, 2011). 47. Ibid. 35. Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 51:155. 48. “Gozideh-I Az Zendegi-ye Sardar-e Shahid Shoushtari” 36. Ibid., 51:181. [Selective Biography of the Martyred Commander Shoushtari], 37. Mohammad Anjavinezhad, Hemaseh-ye Yasin [The Epic Farda News (Tehran), October 19, 2009, www.fardanews.com/fa of Yaseen] (Tehran: Daftar-e Adabiyat va Honar va Moqavemat, /pages/?cid=93681 (accessed November 2, 2011). 1995), http://dl.irpdf.com/ebooks/Part2/%281403%29.pdf (accessed 49. “Harmony Document ISGZ-2005-001122-19954.” December 21, 2011). 50. “Rahpeymayi-e Rouz-e Jahani-e Qods Dar Shahr-e Mashhad-e 38. “Khaterat-e Yek Emdadgar Az Sahneh-ha-ye Jang” [Memoirs Iran” [Quds Day Rally in the City of Mashhad in Iran], Afghan of a Medic from the War], Fash News (Tehran), May 9, 2011, Voice Agency (Kabul), September 14, 2011, www.avapress.com www.fashnews.ir/archive/news/22-news/8715-2011-05-09-08-14- /vdca.mn6k49nyo5k14.html (accessed December 13, 2011). 22.html (accessed October 11, 2011). 51. “Ba Hozour-e Mardom-e Mashhad . . .” [In the Presence of 39. Rouzshomar-e Jang-e Iran va Eraq, 51:307. the People of Mashhad . . .], Rah-e Mashhad (Razavi Khorasan), 40. “Farmandeh Lashkar-e 21 Emam Reza” [Twenty-First Imam July 12, 2011, http://rahmashhad.blogfa.com/9004.aspx (accessed Reza Division Commander], Basij News (Tehran), October 24, 2010, December 13, 2011). www.basijnews.com/Ndetail.asp?NewsID=73817 (accessed October 52. Moqqadam Hosseini Zahmatkesh, “36 Mah Dar 26, 2011). See also “Masoulan Bayad Mavane’-e Tahaqoq-e Ahdaf Guantanamo” [36 Months in Guantanamo], Daftar-e Pazhouhesh-e 22 Bahman Ra Az Sar-e Rah Bardarand” [The Authorities Must Mouassesseh-ye Farhangi/Honari-ye Khorasan (Mashhad), June 13, Remove the Obstacles in the Path of Realization of the Goals of the 2011, http://rkhi.ir/1390/03/23/7194/ (accessed December 13, 2011). Revolution], IRNA (Tehran), February 11, 2011, www2.irna.com 53. Arthur Brice, “Ahmadinejad’s Visit to Brazil Draws /ar/news/view/line-7/8911217419104316.htm (accessed October 11, Criticism,” CNN, November 23, 2009, http://edition.cnn.com/2009 2011); and “Mardom Bayad Maslehat-Andishi-ye Masoulan-e /WORLD/americas/11/23/iran.south.america/index.html (accessed Nezam Ra Melak Qarar-dahand.” [The People Must Consider to December 28, 2011). What Degree the Authorities Think about the Expediency of the 54. Yana Marull, “Iran’s Ahmadinejad Finds Sympathetic Ear in Regime], Mehr News (Tehran), February 24, 2011, www.mehrnews Brazil,” Agence France Presse (Paris), November 23, 2009. .com/fa/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=1260425 (accessed October 11, 2011). 55. “Minister Was Wrong about Iranian Agent, Accuses 41. “Mabna-ye Hameh-ye Tahavolat-e Mantaqeh . . .” [The Basis Azeredo,” Senado Federal (Brasilia), August 6, 2010, www.senado of All Developments in the Region Is Islamic . . .], Parset (Tehran), .gov.br/noticias/agencia/internacional/en/not_1112.aspx (accessed June 2, 2011, www.parset.com/News/ShowNews.aspx?Code=517279 October 10, 2011). (accessed September 27, 2011). 56. “Federal Police Confirms Supposed Iranian Terrorist’s Entrance 42. “Shohada Tablo-ye Peyrovi Az Velayat Ra Tarsim Kardand” in the Country,” States News Agency (Brasilia), August 3, 2010. [The Martyrs Painted the Picture of Obeying the Guardianship], SAJED 57. “Iran, Tajikistan Review Expansion of Defense Cooperation,” (Tehran), June 15, 2011, http://kh-razavi.sajed.ir/news/82-news-day- IRNA (Tehran), January 21, 1999. /1258-1390-03-25-06-00-44.html (accessed September 27, 2011). 58. Hannah Allam, Jonathan S. Landay, and Warren P. Strobel, 43. “Qiyam-ha-ye Mantaqeh . . .” [The Regional Uprisings . . .], ”Iranian Outmaneuvers US in Iraq,” McClatchy Newspapers (Sacra- Khabar Online (Tehran), March 7, 2011, www.khabaronline.ir/news mento), April 28, 2008, www.mcclatchydc.com/2008/04/28/35146 -135514.aspx (accessed September 27, 2011). See also “Amrikayi-ha /iranian-outmaneuvers-us-in-iraq.html (accessed January 4, 2011). - 7-

59. “Whose Side Are They All On?” The Economist (United 61. Hunter, “Syrian-Iranian Show of Solidarity Masks Tensions . . .” States edition), May 10, 2008. United States Embassy (Damascus), December 22, 2009, http:// 60. Al-Sharqiyah TV (Dubai), September 9, 2009. Quoted 46.4.48.8/cablegate/wire.php?id=09DAMASCUS880&search by BBC Monitoring Middle East – Political. Supplied by BBC =Soleimani (accessed January 12, 2011). Worldwide Monitoring, March 30, 2010.

APPENDIX TRACKING SULEIMANI AND QAANI SINCE THE END OF THE IRAN/IRAQ WAR

SULEIMANI QAANI Date Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech August 17, 1988 Razavi Khorasan1 Appointed Samen al-Aemeh IRGC unit deputy January 21, 1999 Tajikistan2 Official visit February 19, 2003 Kerman3 Air disaster relief activity December 26, 2003 Kerman4 Earthquake relief activity August 12, 2004 Tehran5 Speech January 20, 2005 Kerman6 Commemoration of Karbala V operation January 21, 2005 Kerman7 Commemoration of Karbala V operation February 17, 2005 Kerman8 Interview April 2006 Green Zone, Baghdad, Iraq9 Meddling in Iraqi political affairs May 6, 2006 Not known Appointed IRGC counterintelligence deputy10 May 28, 2006 Kerman11 Martyrs September 20, 2006 Damascus, Syria12 Meeting the Syrian president October 21, 2006 Kerman13 Quds Day November 10, 2007 Kerman14 Martyrs December 30, 2007 Not known Interview15 April 21, 2008 Tehran16 Commemorating establishment of the IRGC ca. May 1, 2008 Iran/Iraq border17 Negotiations with the Iraqi president May 13, 2008 Kerman18 Martyrs September 26, 2008 Razavi Khorasan19 Mashhad Friday prayer November 2008 Not known Meddling in Iraqi political affairs20 December 10, 2008 Isfahan21 Martyrs January 22, 2009 Tehran22 Meeting with Iraqi national security adviser February 4, 2009 Qom23 Revolution Day February 14, 2009 Kerman24 Commemorating Valfajr VIII operation March 15, 2009 Razavi Khorasan25 Martyrs June 17, 2009 Not known Presidential election26 September 10, 2009 Sulaymaniyah, Iraq27 Meeting with Iraqi president September 27, 2009 Tehran28 Sacred Defense exhibit Razavi Khorasan29 Quds Day September 28, 2009 Kerman30 Quds Day Kerman31 Quds Day October 20, 2009 Kerman32 Martyrs October 21, 2009 Kerman33 Martyrs October 23, 2009 Kerman34 Martyrs Razavi Khorasan35 Martyrs October 24, 2009 North Khorasan36 Martyrs November 23–26, 2009 Tehran37 Martyrs Gambia, Brazil, Bolivia, Official visit Venezuela, and Senegal38 December 2, 2009 Tehran39 Martyrs December 24, 2009 Kerman40 Presidential election January 25, 2010 Razavi Khorasan41 Martyrs January 28, 2010 Bandar Abbas42 Martyrs January 29, 2010 Razavi Khorasan43 Martyrs continued on next page - 8-

SULEIMANI QAANI Date Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech February 8, 2010 Not known Martyrs44 February 15, 2010 Razavi Khorasan45 Iraq war commemoration March 17, 2010 Not known Interview46 March 30, 2010 Not known Meddling in Iraqi political affairs47 May 22, 2010 North Khorasan48 Martyrs May 25, 2010 Razavi Khorasan49 Commemorating liberation of Khorramshahr May 26, 2010 Razavi Khorasan50 Commemorating liberation of Khorramshahr June 24, 2010 Razavi Khorasan51 Martyrs July 23, 2010 Tehran52 Commemorating Imad Mughniyah September 8, 2010 Razavi Khorasan53 Martyrs ca. September 22, 2010 Not known Meddling in Iraqi political affairs54 September 27, 2010 Not known IRGC information technology seminar55 September 29, 2010 Razavi Khorasan56 Martyrs September 30, 2010 Kurdistan57 Praising the Kurdish Peshmerga October 2, 2010 Yazd58 War medicine October 21, 2010 Kerman59 Martyrs October 24, 2010 North Khorasan60 Martyrs November 5, 2010 Razavi Khorasan61 Martyrs November 6, 2010 Razavi Khorasan62 Martyrs November 9, 2010 Tehran63 Martyrs November 20, 2010 Kerman64 Martyrs November 26, 2010 Isfahan65 The Basij November 29, 2010 Razavi Khorasan66 Martyrs December 4, 2010 Razavi Khorasan67 Martyrs December 13, 2010 Tehran Visiting Khomeini’s mausoleum68 January 10, 2011 Razavi Khorasan69 Commemorating Karbala V operation February 1, 2011 Kerman70 Friday prayer February 10, 2011 Razavi Khorasan71 Revolution Day February 11, 2011 Razavi Khorasan72 Revolution Day February 19, 2011 Not known Commemorating Imad Mughniyah73 February 23, 2011 Fars74 Martyrs February 24, 2011 Razavi Khorasan75 Martyrs March 3, 2011 Not known Interview76 March 4, 2011 Tehran77 Martyrs March 7, 2011 Not known Arab Spring78 March 13, 2011 Fars79 Martyrs March 22, 2011 Razavi Khorasan80 Martyrs May 8, 2011 Semnan81 Martyrs May 8, 2011 Not known Martyrs82 May 14, 2011 Kerman83 Arab Spring Razavi Khorasan84 Arab Spring May 22, 2011 Qom85 Martyrs May 24, 2011 Tehran86 Commemorating the Beit al-Moqaddas operation May 28, 2011 Razavi Khorasan87 Commemorating the Iraq War June 2, 2011 Razavi Khorasan88 Arab Spring June 15, 2011 Razavi Khorasan89 Martyrs June 29, 2011 Razavi Khorasan90 Martyrs July 12, 2011 Razavi Khorasan91 Martyrs July 27, 2011 Razavi Khorasan92 War with Iraq July 29, 2011 Razavi Khorasan93 Martyrs September 7, 2011 Tehran94 Assembly of Experts

continued on next page - 9-

SULEIMANI QAANI Date Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech Place Purpose of presence/theme of speech September 16, 2011 Not known Libya95 September 18, 2011 Tehran96 Arab Spring September 29, 2011 Gilan97 Arab Spring October 26, 2011 Not known Martyrs98 November 12, 2011 Tehran99 Martyrs November 13, 2011 Tehran100 Visiting Mohsen Rezaei November 24, 2011 Kerman101 The Basij

NOTES TO APPENDIX 18. “Yazdahomin Kongereh-ye Sardaran-e Shahid-e Kerman . . .” [Eleventh 1. “Pas Az Jang . . .” [After the War . . .], Ettela’at (Tehran), August 17, 1988, Congress on Martyred Commanders of Kerman], (Tehran), www.rezaee.ir/vdcg.u9urak9utpr4a.txt (accessed September 26, 2011). May 17, 2008, www.farsnews.com/printable.php?nn=8702240708 (accessed 2. “Iran, Tajikistan Review Expansion of Defense Cooperation.” December 10, 2010). 3. “Savaneh-e Ghadir” [Ghadir Crashes], Google User Content Website 19. “Janeshin-e Quds . . .” [Quds Force Deputy . . .], Astan-e Qods-e Razavi (Tehran), November 24, 2010, http://webcache.googleusercontent.com (Mashhad), September 26, 2008, www.aqrazavi.org/index.php?module= /search?q=cache:1IFUigQjQY4J:aerospacetalk.ir/vb/showthread.php% pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=1&pid=1427 (accessed September 24, 2011). 3Fp%3D248767+%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85+%D8%B3%D9 20. Ryan Crocker, “Najaf Clerical Leaders Fear Iranian Ideological Dominance,” %84%DB%8C%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C+%D8%B3%D9% United States Embassy (Baghdad), January 5, 2009, http://46.4.48.8/cable- BE%D8%A7%D9%87&cd=238&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us (accessed Decem- gate/wire.php?id=09BAGHDAD11&search=Soleimani (accessed January 12, ber 10, 2010). 2011). 4. “Revayat-e Seyyed Hossein Marashi . . .” [Seyyed Hossein Marashi’s 21. “Sevomin Salgard-e Sardar-e Shahid Ahmad Kazemi . . .” [Third Anniversary Account . . .], MHR Kerman (Kerman), n.d., www.mhrkerman.blogfa.com/8609 of the Martyred Commander Ahmad Kazemi], Portal-e Khabari-ye Kashan .aspx (accessed December 10, 2010). (Kashan), December 10, 2008, www.knp.ir/?sysid=1&newsid=288&skin=6 5. Al-Sharq al-Awsat (London, in Arabic), August 11, 2004. Quoted in BBC (accessed October 11, 2011). Summary of World Broadcasts. August 12, 2004. 22. Ryan Crocker, “Rubaie Claims He Carried Message of Confident Iraq in Visit 6. Fars News Agency (Tehran), January 20, 2005. Quoted in BBC Worldwide to Iran,” United States Embassy (Baghdad), January 26, 2009, http://46.4.48.8 Monitoring, January 20, 2005. /cablegate/wire.php?id=09BAGHDAD197&search=Soleimani (accessed 7. “Farmandeh-ye Sepah-e Qods . . .” [The Quds Force Commander . . .], January 12, 2011). Fars News Agency (Tehran), January 21, 2005, www.farsnews.com/newstext 23. “Iran Nofouz-e Siasi va Ma’navi Dar Keshvarha-ye Mantaqeh Darad” .php?nn=8311020001 (accessed December 10, 2010). [Iran Has Political and Spiritual Influence in the Countries of the Region], Taghrib 8. “Sardar Qassemi: Gomnami Khasteh-ye Shahidan-e Ma Boud,” Jomhouri-ye News (Qom), February 4, 2009, www.taghribnews.ir/vdcd.z0x2yt0fna26y.html Eslami (Tehran), June 7, 2005, www.jomhourieslami.com/1384/13840317 (accessed October 11, 2011). /13840317_jomhori_islami_10_jebheh_va_jang.HTML#matlab_ (accessed 24. “Sardar Hajj Qasem Suleimani . . .” [Commander Hajj Qasem Suleimani . . .], December 9, 2010). Jomhouri-ye Eslami (Tehran), February 14, 2009, www.jomhourieslami.com/ 9. Allam, Landay, and Strobel, “Iranian Outmaneuvers US in Iraq.” 1387/13871126/13871126_jomhori_islami_05_shahrestan.HTML#matlab_ 10. “Bargozari-ye Marasem-e Moarefeh-ye Janeshin-e Farmandeh-ye 3 (accessed December 10, 2010). Koll-e Sepah . . .” 25. “Bargoaari-ye Yadvareh-ye Shohada . . .” [Commemoration of the 11. “Sheshomin Yadman-e Mardan-e Bi-Edde’a . . .” [Sixth Commemoration of Martyrs . . .], Torghabeh Online (Torqabeh), March 15, 2009, www.torghabe the Men without Claims . . .] Shabestan-e Kerman (Kerman), May 28, 2006, honline.com/news/show_detail.asp?id=1576 (accessed October 11, 2011). http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:qiKgrs3tlrgJ:www.shab 26. “Sardar Qasem Suleimani . . .” [Commander Qasem Suleimani . . .], estan.ir/newsdetail.asp%3Fnewsid%3D85030709364189+%D8%B3%D9%84% Kayhan (Tehran), June 18, 2009, www.magiran.com/npview.asp?ID=1883703 DB%8C%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C+%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%BE+% (accessed January 11, 2011). D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87&cd=58&hl=en 27. Al-Sharqiyah TV (Dubai), September 9, 2009. Quoted in BBC Monitoring &ct=clnk&gl=us (accessed December 17, 2010). 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