In cities across Iran, tens of thousands packed the streets to mourn Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. A black flag went up on the golden dome of Imam Reza shrine in the city of Mashhad, one of the holiest sites of Shiite Islam. Just a few weeks earlier, the streets were filled with protesters angry with their leaders over the flailing economy and the country’s international isolation. But at least for now, Iran is united — in anger at the United States. Hard-liner and reformer, General Suleimani, Iran’s most powerful military leader, was almost universally admired and had near cult figure status.

Source: New York Times January 04, 2020 19:29 UTC