The election of a reformist president in Iran sparks optimism in Afghanistan in direct contrast to the wary response to the installation of a “fundamentalist” prime minister in Pakistan.
The election of a reformist president in Iran sparks optimism in Afghanistan in direct contrast to the wary response to the installation of a “fundamentalist” prime minister in Pakistan.Voters poured out in huge numbers to cast their ballot in both the Iranian and Pakistani elections. The victors, Hassan Rouhani and Nawaz Sharif, have evoked very different reactions.
Fazal Rahaman Orya, the spokesperson of Afghanistan National Coalition, observed the election in Iran has “positive” implications for Afghanistan. “Afghans can hope for gains,” he said.
President Hamid Karzai promised similar “fair and free” elections in Afghanistan after a ceremony to mark the handing over of all combat duties to Afghan forces on June 18. “The holding of elections is one of the big wishes of Afghan people – the election can be counted as a big step towards stabilising growth, development and democracy in Afghanistan,” he said speaking to journalists who he said would be addressed by a new president next year.
The victory of reformists in Iran has been hailed by the government. Karzai was the first to send a congratulatory message, which he followed up with a phone conversation with the new president.
Janan Musazai, spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referred to Tehran’s concern about US presence in Afghanistan, and hoped for a peaceful resolution of tensions between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme. Afghanistan would not like to see further escalation “tension and conflict at any time in the region,” he said.
Old history
Afghanistan and Iran share a border, and a history. There are more than a million Afghans in Iran without legal documents, which has become a bone of contention between the two countries. The election of a reformist has sparked optimism in Kabul.
Observed Mohasen Moswai who has lived many years in Iran as a refugee, “Iran under Khatami, a reformist, was a golden era for Afghan refugees and we hope that era will be repeated again with the elevation of another reformist as president.”
However, Latifa Bazel who has also lived in Iran sees no parallels. “The situation has changed because of the presence of western countries in Afghanistan which is an obstacle in the way of establishing ordinary relations between Iran and Afghanistan.” In her opinion the presence of refugees will be used as a “tool” in bilateral relations as long as relations between the two countries are not harmonious.
With the reformists in power will the “Iran Cold War” in Afghanistan end? In the last 10 years Iran has often been seen as interfering in Afghanistan’s internal matters.
Dawood Moradyan, former director of Centre for Strategic Studies, hopes to see the situation change. Commenting on the situation he said: “We are witness to a terrible hot war in Afghanistan which is managed by Pakistan, and along the border with Tehran we have a cold war and tension. We squeezed by both sides.”
Board member of Right and Justice Party Asef Ashna was hopeful diplomatic relations would be transparent between the two countries, and there would be a decrease in interference of Iran in Afghanistan.
New opportunity
Political watchers were pleased to see hints of change in the newly elected Iranian president’s first press conference. “The new government feels that a new opportunity has come into existence to deal with the world. The opportunity has been created by the people and I hope that all will use it because this would result in mutual beneficial interests. Our basis is that if we have problem with any country we should repel it but mutual respect should be the basis for it,” President Rouhani stated.
Reacting to hints of a new wind sweeping through Tehran, Ashna said his party was hopeful that the “mysterious and doubtful relations between the Iranian government and Taleban would be ended. Both countries should experience strong and reliable relations that result in the strengthening of democracy in both countries.”
Meanwhile, economy watchers hope there will be an end to UN-imposed sanctions that have been led by the US which would be a boost for business in both countries.
Khan Jan Alokozai, vice chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, estimated trade with Iran 1.5 milliard USD. “The ban on Iran has made trade for Afghanistan very difficult, particularly transportation across the border. We hope to see a relaxation of sanctions (as a result of the elections) and improvement in relations between the West and Iran. Both our countries could utilise our mutual economic capacities in the region.”
Political analysts are hopeful of change in strained bilateral relations. Afghanistan has itself to blame if its neighbours have interfered in the domestic matters of the country. The government should stand up for national interests.
Political observer Mukhtar Masroor believes “the time has come for Iran to waive ideological policies and strike a wise, democratic and positive deal with the international community specifically with its neighbours”.
Hopes are pinned on President Rouhani’s ability to advance successfully a reforming policy that would be beneficial to his people, and people in the region.
