Esmail Qaani is likely to pursue his predecessor’s policies with ‘greater vigour and ruthlessness’, say experts. Under Soleimani, dubbed Iran’s “shadow commander” by some media, the Quds Force helped boost Iranian influence across the Middle East by building up a vast network of proxies. ‘Loyal, committed’ Khamenei, announcing Qaani’s appointment on January 3, said the Quds Force’s new chief was …
