In world newspapers, ME is at a crossroads

Today's world newspapers have reported on the repercussions of the catastrophic killing of Soleimani on the Middle East, and how Trump made this decision.

The New York Times: Is there a risk of a wider war between Washington and Tehran?

The world newspapers released this morning dealt with many topics, the most important of which was the killing of Qasim Soleimani. In this context, the US New York Times said: "Iran will inevitably respond to the killing of Qasim Soleimani, by embarking on limited attacks but it will not lead to a major war, and that any ill estimate may get things out of control."

The newspaper added: "What the scene witnessed after the killing of Soleimani is completely different from what was going on in the shadow war, in which both Washington and Tehran have been involved over the past years."

Most analysts say: The killing of Soleimani will force Iran to respond, through several factors, including national pride, and the response to the killing of its leaders who occupy the highest ranks of the state, because killing one of these leaders is more than a slap or a blow to military capabilities; it is a threat to the state’s action, the whole of Iran, and Iran will feel compelled to respond, but it is difficult to predict the severity of this revenge, which casts a shadow over the region.

If Iran succeeds, the results may be very costly for the United States and its allies, but it does not amount to direct war.

Wall Street Journal: killing of Soleimani places the United States at a crossroads in the Middle East

The American Wall Street Journal, in turn, said: "Trump's plans to reduce the military footprint in the region are now in danger after Soleimani's death."

The American drone raids, which killed the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, is a focal point towards direct confrontation with Iran, which further complicated the United States in the Middle East, after years of trying to avoid a major conflict.

Since taking office, President Trump has prioritized ending the war against Islamic State fighters and reducing the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East.

The Trump administration was determined to defeat Iranian power and halt its nuclear program by tightening economic sanctions, not through military force.

In light of the apparent defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and Tehran's distraction with its deteriorating economy, the United States and Iran have entered a new stage as they compete to form a faltering peace in an unstable part of the world.

Los Angeles Times: How did Trump make the decision to kill Soleimani?

In turn, the American Los Angeles Times quoted a US official as saying, "The decision of US President Donald Trump to target the Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani was partly to encourage the hawks from his advisers."

The US official stressed that "the Pentagon, American intelligence agencies and others have made intensive efforts to locate Soleimani and take measures to kill him."

Noting that "the CIA knew that Soleimani was on a tour in Syria and Lebanon and that he would travel by air from Damascus to Baghdad within days, as American officials noted that Soleimani was not interested in hiding the course of his movements."

A senior State Department official said: The new information indicated that Soleimani was planning attacks on American and military diplomats, and facilities that harbor Americans in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

"There was unanimity in the president's National Security Council that the risk of not doing anything unacceptable, given the intelligence and the effectiveness given by Soleimani," the official added.

When Soleimani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday, a US drone and other military aircrafts were flying near Baghdad International Airport.

J.O