“The Iranian leadership has put a brave face on. It has celebrated the U.S. withdrawal as a victory for the Afghan people, which by implication offers an endorsement for the Taliban. Tehran is hoping for professional if not cordial ties with Afghanistan's future government amid worries that the Taliban would be anti-Shi'a, persecute the Hazara minority, and adopt anti-Iran policies. This would be extremely concerning for Iran. From the geostrategic point of view, this would facilitate Saudi influence in Afghanistan. An anti-Shi'a and anti-Iran government in Afghanistan could present serious security challenges for Iran and make Afghan territory a haven for anti-Iran terror groups.”
18 Aug 2021
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