Qasem Soleimani

“One type of paradise that is portrayed for mankind is streams, beautiful nymphs and greeneries. But there is another kind of paradise. ... The warfront was the lost paradise of the human beings, indeed.”

“Dear General Petraeus, you should know that I, Qassem Suleimani, control the policy for Iran with respect to Iraq, Lebanon, Gaza and Afghanistan. And indeed, the ambassador in Baghdad is a Quds Force member. The individual who’s going to replace him is a Quds Force member.”

“We’re not like the Americans. We don’t abandon our friends.”

“The Syrian Army is useless! Give me one brigade of the Basij, and I could conquer the whole country.”

“I entered the [Iran-Iraq] war on a fifteen-day mission, and ended up staying until the end. … We were all young and wanted to serve the revolution.”

“When I see the children of the martyrs, I want to smell their scent, and I lose myself.”