IRANIAN INTERESTS IN AFGHANISTAN AND THEIR CONTRADICTORY CHARACTER
IRANIAN INTERESTS IN AFGHANISTAN AND THEIR CONTRADICTORY CHARACTER

Summary/Abstract: The long common history of Iran and Afghanistan is linked with their cultural vicinity and interconnection. Afghanistan and Iran are partially connected, due to the similarity of languages and Shia religion. Furthermore, both countries are linked also due to a large number of Afghan refugees that emigrated to Iran after 1979, when the war started. Furthermore, there are also Iranian political, ideological, economic and security interests in their eastern neighbouring country, which Iran demonstrates in various ways. One can notice a certain contradiction. On one hand, they fuel with weapons the Sunni Taliban, on the other hand, they belong to the group of countries that spend enormous investment for the recovery of Afghanistan, especially to its western part. This contradictory tactic of Iran gives the impression that they are not clear about their strategic interests in Afghanistan. Iranian engagement in Afghanistan does not have the same stimulus as their activities in neighbouring Iraq. Iran fears the collapsing state in their neighbourhood and the effect it may have on Iran’s domestic policy. Based on the historical background of the relations, the article reflects the nature of Iranian “whip and sugar” policy towards their eastern neighbour. A policy which can hardly be considered balanced.

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