The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: Iran's Revenge

Iran's Revenge

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Iran's Revenge

What power does Iran's Revolutionary Guard wield and what will they do now?

As revenge for killing of General Soleimani, Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq. What happens next and what will the IRGC do?

The killing of General Soleimani by the United States has led to uproar in Iran. Massive crowds have accompanied his coffin through the streets and he is now hailed as a martyr.  Retaliation has started with a missile attack against US airbases in Iraq, led by The Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).  

David Aaronovitch examines the  history and political clout of one of the most feared military organisations in the world.  The IRGC's sphere of influence spreads deep into Iranian society and abroad too. What role will it play in what happens next and what impact will recent events have on US and Iranian foreign policy? 

Contributors: 

Ambassador Barbara Leaf, former US ambassador to the UAE and senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, research fellow at The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) 

Ali Alfoneh, senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute, Washington DC

Azadeh Moaveni, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group

Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Director of the School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech. 

Producers: Rosamund Jones, Jordan Dunbar and Kirsteen Knight
Editor: Jasper Corbett

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