The Rocky Relationship Between Iran And Afghanistan: A Complex History Of Tensions And Common Grounds

Iran and Afghanistan have a complicated relationship, with a long shared history and border, as well as strong religious and cultural ties. Despite this, the two countries have had tense relations at times, with issues arising due to conflicts in Afghanistan, the Taliban's rule, and the growing influence of the United States in the region.

Afghanistan and Iran established official relations in 1935, but the countries have shared ties for millennia. Dari, an eastern dialect of Persian, is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, and many Afghans speak Persian as a result of the historical connection between the two countries. Additionally, many in Afghanistan celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

However, the 1978 Saur Revolution and the 1979 Iranian Revolution negatively impacted relations, along with conflicts in Afghanistan involving the Taliban and other groups, and the water dispute between the two countries. The Taliban's harsh treatment of Afghanistan's minorities, particularly the Shi'a Hazaras, further strained relations, with Iran supporting the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance.

With the Taliban's return to power in 2021, relations between Afghanistan and Iran have developed further, despite some differences and border clashes. Iran has economic and ideological interests in Afghanistan and has played a delicate game of working with and deterring the Taliban to secure its interests. The complex dynamics between the two countries continue to evolve, with Iran seeking to balance its influence in the region.

The countries' religious differences

Afghanistan and Iran have historically had a complex relationship, with strong cultural and religious ties, but also a history of ideological differences and political rivalry. While both countries are predominantly Muslim, there is a deep religious divide between them, with Iran being a Shi'a-dominant country and Afghanistan having a Sunni majority. This religious difference has been a source of tension and conflict between the two nations.

Afghanistan and Iran have a shared history that goes back millennia. Afghanistan was once considered an integral part of Persia (modern-day Iran) and was part of various Persian Empires, including the Achaemenid and Sasanian dynasties. The Dari language, an eastern dialect of Persian, is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, and many Afghans speak Persian due to this historical connection. Additionally, many cultural traditions are shared between the two countries, such as the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

However, the religious differences between the two countries have often led to conflict and strained relations. Afghanistan's Shi'a population, estimated to be around 15-29% of the total population, has been a source of tension, with Iran seeking to protect and support this minority group. During the Taliban's rule in the late 1990s, Iran supported the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, as the Taliban's harsh treatment of Afghanistan's Shi'a minorities, particularly the Hazaras, was a cause for concern for Iran. Iran has also been accused of supplying weapons and money to Taliban insurgents, forming an unlikely but resilient bond with the Sunni fundamentalist group.

The water dispute between the two countries has also been a point of contention, with Iran accusing Afghanistan of restricting the flow of water from the Helmand River, which is vital for irrigation and electricity generation in the region. This dispute has led to deadly clashes along the border and raised tensions between the two nations.

Despite their differences, Afghanistan and Iran have also found common ground at times. Both countries share a mutual opposition to the United States' military presence in the region, and Iran played a significant role in the overthrow of the Taliban government in 2001. Additionally, Iran has provided economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two countries have important trading relations.

In conclusion, while Afghanistan and Iran share cultural and historical ties, their religious differences have been a significant source of tension and conflict. Iran's support for Afghanistan's Shi'a minorities and its opposition to the Taliban have shaped its complex relationship with its neighbour.

The Taliban's treatment of Afghanistan's minorities

Afghanistan's religious and ethnic minorities have faced systemic discrimination, marginalization, and violence under the Taliban's rule. The Taliban's harsh treatment of minorities has been well-documented by organizations such as Amnesty International and the UN.

The Taliban, a predominantly Pashtun and Sunni Islamist movement, has a history of persecuting Shi'ite Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities. During their previous regime in the late 1990s, the Taliban enforced strict interpretations of Islamic law, which often resulted in merciless policies towards women, political opponents, and religious minorities. This included the systematic massacre of thousands of Shi'ite Hazaras in 1998, where males of fighting age from the Hazara ethnic minority were killed in front of their families or had their throats slit.

Under the current Taliban regime, restrictions on religious minorities have continued and even expanded. Religious minorities face increasing marginalization, prejudice, and forced evictions. The Taliban has banned the participation of women in sports and public parks, and imposed restrictions on girls' education, banning their enrolment beyond primary school. The Taliban has also restricted the rights of women to work, travel, and appear in public without a male chaperone. These restrictions have had severe economic and social impacts, with Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists finding that the Taliban's treatment of women and girls may amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.

In addition to the persecution of Shi'ite Muslims, the Taliban has also targeted other religious minorities such as Sikhs and Hindus. During their first regime, the Taliban forced Sikhs and Hindus to wear yellow badges for identification, prevented them from building new temples, and imposed discriminatory taxes. As a result, many Sikhs and Hindus lost their homes and businesses, and those who remain in the country continue to face harsh restrictions and fear for their safety.

The Taliban's treatment of minorities has raised concerns among the international community and led to calls for investigations into possible crimes against humanity. The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, warned that Afghanistan's ethnic and religious minorities are at risk of violence and repression given the Taliban's history.

While the Taliban has made some efforts to improve its image and present itself as a moderate and inclusive group, these efforts have been largely calculated and do not indicate a change in the group's ideology or deep-rooted hostility towards minorities, particularly the Shi'ite Hazaras. The Taliban's overtures towards minority groups, such as the recruitment of a Shi'ite Hazara as a local leader, are primarily driven by strategic interests and a desire to strengthen their legitimacy and diversify their support base.

Iran's influence in Afghanistan

Iran and Afghanistan have a long shared history, with many cultural ties between the two countries. However, their relationship is complicated, and Iran has a history of interfering in Afghanistan's politics.

Iran has substantial economic, political, cultural, and religious leverage in Afghanistan. Dari, an eastern dialect of Persian, is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, and many Afghans also speak Persian. Many in Afghanistan also celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Iran has been accused of supplying the Taliban with weapons and money, and there have been reports of Iranian fighters operating in the country. Iran has also been accused of setting up Taliban bases within its own cities and of recruiting young people for terrorist activities in Afghanistan.

Despite their differences, Iran and Afghanistan have maintained a degree of cooperation. Iran was an important factor in the overthrow of the Taliban and has helped to revive Afghanistan's economy and infrastructure. Iran has also been involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, particularly in developing the country's Shi'a communities.

In recent years, Iran has welcomed the departure of US forces from Afghanistan and has pledged to work with the Taliban government. However, Iran's relationship with the Taliban is complex, and there have been instances of tension and conflict between the two. For example, in 1998, the Taliban murdered several Iranian diplomats, and in 2022, there were violent clashes between the two countries.

Iran's relationship with Afghanistan is also influenced by its water rights in the region. Iran relies on water that flows into the country from Afghanistan and has historically disputed water rights with its neighbour.

The US's role in Afghanistan

Historical Context

The first recorded contact between Afghanistan and the US occurred in the 1830s when American adventurer Josiah Harlan travelled to the region with the intention of becoming the King of Afghanistan. Official diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1921 under the leadership of King Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan and President Warren G. Harding of the United States.

The Cold War and Soviet Invasion

During the Cold War, Afghanistan's strategic location made it a focal point of competition between the US and the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the US began to financially support the Afghan resistance, committing $3 billion in financial and diplomatic aid. The US also started admitting Afghan refugees for resettlement and provided weapons and money to the Mujahideen through Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Post-9/11 Invasion of Afghanistan

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, perpetrated by al-Qaeda, the US invaded Afghanistan to overthrow the Taliban government and capture Osama bin Laden. This marked the beginning of the War in Afghanistan, the longest war in US history. The US-led Operation Enduring Freedom aimed to remove the Taliban government and capture or kill al-Qaeda members.

Reconstruction and Nation-Building

After the overthrow of the Taliban, the US supported the new Afghan government led by President Hamid Karzai. The US played a leading role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, providing billions of dollars for infrastructure development, national roads, government institutions, and educational institutions. The US also designated Afghanistan as a major non-NATO ally in 2012.

Military Presence and Withdrawal

The US maintained a significant military presence in Afghanistan throughout the War on Terror, with troop levels fluctuating over the years. In 2010, there were approximately 100,000 US troops in the country, which was followed by a slow reduction from 2011 to 2014. However, the US continued to face challenges in stabilizing the country and combatting the Taliban insurgency.

Peace Negotiations and Withdrawal

In 2020, the US entered into peace negotiations with the Taliban, resulting in the signing of the Doha Agreement. As part of the agreement, the US committed to withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, with a deadline set for September 11, 2021. However, the Taliban concurrently launched a nationwide offensive, and Kabul fell on August 15, 2021, leading to the dissolution of the Islamic Republic.

Ongoing Challenges and Concerns

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has led to ongoing concerns about the country's future and the potential resurgence of terrorist groups. There are also questions about the fate of Afghans who assisted the US during the war, as well as the impact on women's rights and human rights more broadly. The US continues to have a complex and evolving role in Afghanistan, with a focus on countering the Taliban and ensuring regional stability.

The Taliban's treatment of journalists

The Taliban has imposed rules for journalists to follow, including not publishing content that goes against Islam. Women journalists have faced further restrictions, with the Taliban imposing rules that women broadcasters must cover their faces while on air. The Taliban has also banned women from working in almost all sectors, which has led to a financial crisis for families where women were the primary earners.

Journalists have been detained, beaten, and tortured for covering protests, particularly those by women. Reporters Taqi Daryabi and Nematullah Naqdi were covering a women's protest in Kabul when they were detained and beaten by Taliban fighters. They were beaten with guns, kicked, whipped with cables, and slapped. The Taliban has also been accused of killing journalists.

The Taliban has also been known to censor the media. Television and radio stations have been pressured to end entertainment and educational programming that does not fit with the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law. Female television presenters are required to wear face masks on air and are barred from interviewing male officials or participating in press conferences without a male chaperone.

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