The Iranian Mehr News Agency conducted an interview with UWI author Dr. Mehmet Perinçek for the martyrdom anniversary of General Qasem Soleimani. The interview, published originally in Turkish, has been translated into English by UWI.
Qasem Soleimani’s struggle for Palestine
How do you evaluate the role of Martyr Soleimani in keeping the Palestinian issue alive?
The success of the Palestinian cause depends on creating a power that can counter-balance the power of Israel and the US. The achievement of the Palestinian cause requires concrete actions and the establishment of tangible power, not just speeches and condemnations. Maybe we did not see Martyr Soleimani speaking harsh words, but he played a significant role in the real success of the Palestinian cause. Qasem Soleimani facilitated arms shipments to resistance groups in Palestine, contributed to their military training and undertook important logistical tasks in areas such as missile production.
Moreover, we know that Soleimani played a significant role in the construction of tunnels and Israel’s failure today in Gaza. Therefore, thanks to these efforts, today, Israeli Zionism is facing defeat on the battlefield.
A strategy not limited to the Arab and Islamic world
It is crucial to emphasize here that the adoption and dissemination of the line of Soleimani Qasem are essential. Because the Palestinian cause is not solely the concern of the Arab world or the Islamic world. A genuine victory cannot be achieved when confined to only the Arab or Islamic world. A strategy explaining the justness of the Palestinian cause and gaining the support of the whole oppressed world and in the world of developing countries, from Russia and China to the whole Eurasian continent and South America, to all countries whose interests are in conflict with Israeli Zionism and US imperialism.
A martyr of all of us
Why is Martyr Soleimani known as the Martyr of Jerusalem?
Ismail Haniyeh called Soleimani as the Martyr of Jerusalem during his funeral ceremony. This is an accurate naming because Soleimani’s contributions to the Palestinian cause are recognized by everyone. Of course, Soleimani is not only the martyr of Jerusalem, he is the martyr of all of us. He is a martyr for all of humanity. He is also a martyr of the Turkish Armed Forces who fights against the PKK terrorist organization, a puppet of the US.
The destiny of all regional countries are the same, so it is crucial for them to act together. Therefore, we should see each other’s martyrs as our own and recognize each other’s victories as our own. With such an attitude, we can keep Soleimani’s cause alive.
To uphold the legacy of Soleimani
How do you assess Martyr Soleimani’s role in weakening Israel’s regional position?
Soleimani played a significant role in weakening Israel’s position, not only in favor of Iran and Palestine, but also providing a great service to all Eurasian countries. However, what comes next is crucial. How will we uphold the legacy that Soleimani left behind?
Firstly, it is important to put an end to the Sunni-Shiite divide in the Islamic world. Secondly, developing a strategy that brings together major powers of Eurasia, rather than confining the resistance in Palestine to the Arab and Islamic worlds, is essential. Taking steps to liberate Palestine, the Middle East, and all of Eurasia by uniting significant powers is crucial.
Territorial integrity of Syria against PKK/PYD and ISIS
Taking steps to ensure the territorial integrity of Syria also means following Qasem Soleimani’s cause. Countries such as Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Russia and Syria should come together to eliminate terrorist organizations both in Idlib and separatist PKK and PYD in eastern Euphrates. The upcoming Astana meeting is a very good opportunity for this. By doing so, they could weaken the presence of the US and Israel because all these terrorist organizations are backed by them. It’s well-known that Qasem Soleimani also fought against ISIS. In this sense, taking these steps means to complete Soleimani’s cause.
Recently, the Turkish army suffered 12 martyrs in northern Iraq and a few days earlier, a comrade of Soleimani was martyred in an Israeli attack. This underscores the need for closer coordination between Iran and Türkiye in Iraq and Syria.
Implementing the 3+3 platform in the South Caucasus and preventing foreign intervention in the region is also crucial for upholding the Soleimani cause.