Afghan developments in relation to Iranian influence

Over the past few years, Iran has actively increased its influence in Afghanistan. By taking advantage of Kabul's need for investment and infrastructure development, Iranian businesses continue to support Afghanistan's economic development. Additionally, Iranian culture and religion are strongly felt in western Afghanistan, where Iranians have traditionally held sway. Recently, there has also been a greater appearance of political alignment between Iran and Afghanistan, particularly in the days following the contentious Iranian elections of June 2009, when Afghan President Hamid Karzai unambiguously backed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Tehran publicly advocates for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan in an effort to erode Kabul's relations with the US and sever Kabul and Washington's shared commitment to stabilising Afghanistan. Its leaders have taken advantage of sporadic rifts in ties between Afghanistan and the United States to undercut American policy in the country and give President Karzai a platform to criticise President Barack Obama's administration.

Iran has benefited politically from its growing influence in Afghanistan, including the chance to expand its influence in the region. امداد خودرو غرب تهران simultaneously maintaining a public relationship with Iran that enables President Karzai to "balance" the U.S. when political circumstances call for such protests, Afghanistan has welcomed Iran's proactive approach toward its western neighbour.

However, the relationship between Iran and Afghanistan has not always been favourable. In fact, the tense 600-mile border between Iran and Afghanistan feeds ongoing tensions over Afghan refugees, border security, and illegal drug trafficking. The insurgency in Afghanistan is still receiving material support from Iranian entities. Despite this, Tehran has managed to keep close ties with Kabul, firmly establishing itself and its interests in the nation. Kabul, for its part, has made an effort to avoid straining the political ties by being circumspect in how it reacts to Iranian policies regarding delicate border issues.

Financial Positioning

Iran has contributed several hundred million dollars to the building of Afghanistan while expanding its export market there. In 2008, Iran exported goods worth more than $500 million to Afghanistan. [1] The breadth of Iran's ambitious economic plans for Afghanistan, many of which depend on future stability, show a long-term orientation within the confines of its neighbour that would increase Iran's regional influence.

Afghanistan's western Herat province is where Iran's economic influence is most apparent. A significant portion of the city's infrastructure, such as a major road connecting the province's centre to the Islam Qala border post and a proposed railroad link between Iran and Afghanistan, was financed and built by Iranian businesses and investors. [2] The residents of Herat City enjoy continuous access to electricity, which is supplied in part by Iran. [3] In contrast, Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, only recently accomplished that feat after years of patchy electricity availability and continues to experience power shortages in some areas. [4]

Over the past year, Iranian businesses have also made investments in expanding their operations there. Iran Khodro, the country's largest automaker, declared in March 2009 that it intended to invest $20 million in a manufacturing facility in Herat. [5] This commercial interest in developing the country's physical infrastructure hints at Iran's intention to remain an economic force in Afghanistan over the long term. In order to facilitate the continuation of trade ties within the province, Iran recently showed its commitment to this presence in Herat province by opening a chamber of commerce in May 2009. [6]

Over the past year, Iran has also suggested increasing commercial ties beyond Herat and into Afghanistan's northern provinces. Pervez Davoudi, the vice president of Iran, stated in February 2009 that the two countries intended to build a railroad through northern Afghanistan connecting Iran with Tajikistan. [7] Work has begun on the initial link between Iran and Herat of the $2 billion, five-year railway project. [8] A second proposed railway would link Iran with China via central and northern Afghanistan, and it was discussed between the two nations in July 2009. [9] The regional Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which is led by Iran, likely sees these proposals as baby steps toward the revival of the Silk Road hub that will connect the region's economies. [10]