The foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran toward Central Asia and how it is influenced by confrontations with the United States of America

In The Name Of God,

The Compassionate ,The Merciful.

The foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran toward Central Asia

and how it is influenced by confrontations with the United States of

America

Dr. Malektaj Khosravi Assistant Professor,

Faculty of Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran,Iran.

Hamid GudarziM.A of political science, faculty of political science, Islamic Azad

University, Central Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran.

Central Asia holds a notable position in Islamic Republic of Iran foreign policy. After the fall of the Soviet Union and five independent political entities replacing one, numerous opportunities have been presented as well as threats, understanding of which would help elect an efficient policy compatible with the circumstances, so as to share in political, economic and cultural capacities of Central Asia and greater than several other powers in play.

Abstract

This research aims to clarify how the relation between Iran and Central Asia has been affected. To do so, other objectives such as understanding the region; recognizing political, economic and military goals pursued by The U.S and other powers; as well as potential opportunities and threats Iran might encounter have been analyzed via analytic-descriptive method

Purpose and Method

Central Asia (Latin: Transoxina), is known to Iran and ite Arab neighbors as “beyond the river”, has always been of importance, courtesy of the Silk Road, yet unnoticed up until circa 1990 being .dominated former Soviet Union.

The emergence of few independent countries and their challenges called for international attention, causing frictions and confrontations between other parties.

Introduction

Regardless of the advertised motivations, foreign policy is basically designed and implemented in order for power to be obtained, maintained or demonstrated.

To this end, Iran must also try to benefit from relations with Central Asia in terms of economy, politics and culture.

A realistic approach to Iran’s foreign policy

Preventing Russian domination from recurring.

Limiting Iran’s influence in the region. controlling radical anti-western Islamic tendencies. Dominating the consumer and capital market. Finding new military footholds.

The U.S interests in Central Asia

Being recognized as the most economical transit rout to Central Asia

Establishing a market for Iranian goods, namely for consumer products.

Finding convenient sources of raw material.

Becoming a bridge between the isolated countries of this region and

global economy.

Iran’s interests in Central Asia

1- The Iran and Iraq war: Although started by Sadam Hussein’s ambitions and misunderstandings, the war progressed into a confrontation between Iran and the superpowers.

2-The dmise of the Soviet Union: Another turning point was the absence of The Soviet Union from the power play in Persian Gulf which resulted in the U.S becoming the absolute power in the region implementing its desired discipline.

3- Post 9/11: The events of 9/11 further enhanced the conflict of logics and sense of threat between Iran and The U.S. Moreover, it resulted in their first ever open confrontation in regions of interest (Afghanistan & Iraq)

The formation of threat-based relations between Iran and The

U.S

1-Before 9/11:

A- Period of sabotage policies (1991-1993)B- Period of systematic harnessing (1993-1996)C- Fluctuating policies (1996-2001)

2- After 9/11:The country known as “rouge” and subject to harnessing policies was branded as “axis of wickedness”

The U.S approach toward Iran in Central Asia

1- political and Security: The U.S endeavors to undermine Iran by presenting it as an opportunist and even harmful element namely the nuclear agenda.

2- Economic: Notably Iran’s greatest challenge in recent years has been hostile economic policies devised by the U.S which has affected Iran not only in the region but also in global scales.

3- Cultural: Vast efforts that have been made too portrait an invading and dominating picture of Iran by manipulating course books as well as attempts to present notable Iranian figures as nationals of neighboring countries.

The effects of confrontations with the U.S on relations with Central Asia

Conclusion

The limitations created by policies implemented by the U.S have been determined, suggesting that along with achieving other objectives, The U.S intends to tighten the political, economic and military siege and drive Iran into isolation.

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