Afghan - Iranian Relations 1979-1986 (Historical study)

Abstract

The Iranian-Afghan relations passed through a severe crisis over ages due to the Iranian regime’s interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and its continuous efforts to change its regime. On the other hand, the Soviet Union tried hard to leave bridges open with Iran, and to take advantage of opportunities to expand its influence in Iran. This can be seen clearly through the exchanged visits that took place between officials from both countries, which resulted in achieving many economic and trade agreements. In fact, the recent prosperity in Soviet-Iranian relations represents the Soviet Union’s endeavor to expand its influence in Iran at a time when the latter was trying to improve its relationship with the Soviets in order to influence it over the supply of weapons to confront Iraq and to take a more positive stance towards Iran.The study concludes that it is difficult to anticipate the future prospects of the relationship between the two countries due to the severe political crisis between the two countries, and the internal chaos prevailing in each of them. It shows that in the case of the successful of the Soviet Union in stabilizing its influence over Afghanistan and strengthening the existing authority with a Marxist direction, it will try to consolidate relations with Iran. Consequently, the latter will meet such initiatives for matters related to its security on the one hand and the disparity of political systems on the other hand. The Iranian regime depends on Marxism. Thus, it is linked with the strategic policy of the Soviet Union in the region