11/01/2020
https://m.guardian.ng/opinion/soleimani-and-our-search-for-something-good/
The assassination last Friday of General Qassem Soleimani, 62, the Iranian military commander, has introduced another dimension to modern warfare. On the day of his death, Soleimani was surrounded by his faithful military guards who were well armed and they were prepared to confront any aggressor that might threaten their principal, a man of power and influence. But then, when death came from the sky, they were helpless. They may not have been aware of the American military drones that suddenly happened on their convoy from the sky and blasted Soleimani and all members of his entourage. Their death was fiery and immediate. Then the drones returned to base.
The base may be an American Aircraft carrier on the Mediterranean Sea or any military base in the Middle-East. Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp, IRGC, has commanded the unit since 1998. He was regarded as the most powerful military figure in Iran, overseeing the Shiites state involvements in many theatersâ of politics and conflicts including Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He was feared by his opponents and fiercely loved by his supporters. During his burial processions, at least 50 mourners died in the stampede to get a better glimpse of their hero.
The assassination of Soleimani, ordered by American President Donald Trump, is another indication that science is changing the meaning of war. Instead of sending soldiers and manned aircraft, America has deployed unmanned drones to take off an alleged foe with deadly precision. What we need to ask is what is the fate of Nigeria in a world dominated by science and scientific enquiries?
One of the most disturbing things at this period is the depressing indifference of most members of the Nigerian ruling elite to intellectual products. To balance this hostility is the neurotic love of the Nigerian youth to the pleasurable aspect of the internet and socia
The assassination last Friday of General Qassem Soleimani, 62, the Iranian military commander, has introduced another dimension to modern warfare. On the day of his death, Soleimani was surrounded by his faithful military...