THE KILLING OF GENERAL HASSAN SHATERI.

Okay, first off it's absolutely ridiculous referred to this individual as someone in charge of "construction" efforts is absolutely ludicrous!

The true depiction of Shateri is actually mentioned by the Iranians when they refer to him as someone who is just as important as the now deceased  Mugniyah.

The other issue that was absolutely predictable was linking this general's death to "Zionist guns for hire"!

You see, it's far easier to blame once again the Zionist and their backers than to come to the realization that an Iranian special operations general was killed on Syrian soil by Sunni Arabs in a civil war with Shia Persian backed Arabs.

Once we get past the ridiculous story of why this individual was in Syria, we need to recognize what this event could actually lead to.

The embarrassment to the Iranian leadership will quickly give way to the anger of Suleimani!

This guy is the real deal!

For him to be notified that one of his loyal generals has been gunned down inside of Syria is an issue he will not take lightly and more than likely you will not let go unpunished.

If anyone has forgotten, Suleimani is undoubtedly the person that is actually calling the shots in the Syrian conflict.

How these general was found and targeted was surely the priority question he asked of his staff.

If there is one redeeming factor to this event from the standpoint of escalation, it's the fact that this individual was killed on Syrian soil and not inside Lebanon.

Which direction Shateri was traveling when he was killed is insignificant.

Is damaging to the Iranians as it might be that he was killed on Syrian soil and the image that portrays to the rest of the world, things would have been far worse if this event would have taken place inside Lebanon.

Putting all of these issues aside, this event strikes yet another chapter in the Syrian conflict.

It is common knowledge the Iranians have been heavily involved inside of Syria from the beginning of this conflict, but the death of one of their senior military leaders who is not retired on how "pilgrimage" to some site in Syria is more than an ominous sign.

Iran has little to deny and it seems that almost unwilling to make up even an acceptable story as to why this individual would be on Syrian soil.

Simply put, it appears the Iranians no longer are concerned about the world's opinion of Koran functioning inside of Syria in support of Assad!

If there's anything to take away from the story, it's the way the Iranian leadership addressed the event in the open press.

Comparing Shateri three slaying Hezbollah hero is more than a hint that Iran no longer is willing to hide their open support for Assad!

Finally, this event will not go unpunished and the level of the reprisal will give us a very good indication of how comfortable the Iranians are with openly supporting Assad.

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=303371