Afghanistan’s Future Decided in Doha by US, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia: Analyst
Pir Mohammad Mollazahi said in an interview with ILNA that Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Iran, took no action as Afghan cities fell to the Taliban one after the other, and despite the fact that the collapse of the capital Kabul and the presidential palace looked imminent.
“If there was no hesitancy in the foreign policy of Iran, they would definitely not allow the collapse of major Afghan cities pass so easily, so that in a city like Herat, [former warlord] Ismail Khan, as an Islamist fighter and the governor of the city, who had requested help from Iran, would be captured by the Taliban,” Mollazahi said.
“The truth is that a deal was reached among the US, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Doha on the future of Afghanistan so that the Taliban would return to power. The Islamic Emirates is an option picked by the US and its allies in the region to replace the liberal democratic forces, which came to power in Afghanistan in 2001. In fact, Washington has bypassed the democratic and pro-human rights groups in Afghanistan.”
Mollazahi added that the deal agreed in Qatar has its “winners and losers”, noting that, so far, the winners are Saudis and Pakistan and the clear losers are Iran, India, Russia and China.
“The inaction, which observers point to in Afghanistan, is in fact understandable when considering Iran. But, on the other side, Pakistanis entered the conflict very seriously and the military forces of this country officially joined the Taliban front and there are reports that, over the past days, 20 to 25 thousand radical forces have entered Afghanistan through Pakistani borders,” the analyst said.
“There are two viewpoints on the developments in Iran’s eastern neighbour inside our country. The first is what was raised by Mr. Hossein Shariatmadari and the Kayhan newspaper, and considers the establishment of an Islamic Emirates in Afghanistan a reality, which we should accept and work with, to reduce [possible] risks. This, of course, has its backers among our country’s security forces and considers the Taliban a better option than the liberal democratic groups. Now the question is how well this viewpoint corresponds to Iran’s interests. My answer is that it does not correspond to Iran’s interests,” he said
“The second viewpoint is that, despite accepting the Taliban as the reality of Afghanistan, one should not forget that, in case the Islamic Emirates takes power and is established, this group opens the space for radical forces, including a considerable portion of those who are enemies of Iran and have fought against the Islamic Republic in Syria and Iraq, and this poses a risk to our country’s national security. But, Tehran appears to have failed to create a balance between these two viewpoints and remains in a state of indecision.”
Mollazahi added that the hesitancy Iran showed on Heart was also seen in the northern neighbours of Afghanistan. He said Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were expected to give a positive response to General Abdul Rashid Dostum’s request for help to protect the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, but this did not happen and the city fell to the Taliban.
“It is clear these countries have also realized that the deal hammered in Doha is too strong to prevent it from happening,” he said.
“After the establishment of the Islamic Emirates, the United States’ next plan is definitely gathering radical forces around from different regions in Asia and uniting them in Afghanistan, to equip them to counter Iran, Russia and China. I have no doubt that this inaction of Tehran will not be in our country’s interest in the end.”
Iran Says Welcomes Peaceful Power Transition in Afghanistan
“We are carefully and closely following the developments and are in contact with all parties. As [Foreign Minister [Mohammad Javad] Zarif reiterated in his tweet, the Islamic Republic of Iran uses all available means to facilitate dialogue and compromise in Afghanistan and welcomes the coordination council initiative,” Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in a press briefing.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys numerous historical, civilizational and cultural commonalities with Afghanistan and, at all key and sensitive points in the country’s [Afghanistan] history, with all its power and despite shortages and restrictions, has stood with the neighboring Muslim nation. Accordingly, Iran will stand with them at this fateful point just as it has always done and will put in every effort to ensure peace and calm [in Afghanistan].”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses concern about the escalation in violence in Afghanistan and calls on all parties to reduce violence, keep calm and work for peaceful solutions through talks.”
Khatibzadeh also said Iran strongly hopes that the lives, properties and families of all people, especially the civilians, are protected from any act of aggression amid the swift developments in Afghanistan. He also called on parties to show their commitment to these issues through exercising restraint and looking to the future, and prevent violent groups from exploiting the Afghan territory for their own ends.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly demands serious attention to immunity of diplomats and diplomatic premises within the framework of international conventions and underlines the necessity of keeping diplomats safe and ensuring the security of diplomatic premises. Clearly, the Foreign Ministry is in constant contact with its diplomatic staff in [Iran’s] embassy and consulate in Kabul and Heart and continuously monitors the developments,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the rise in violence and the recent unrest has unleashed a new wave of displaced people. We hope the international community and relevant international bodies pay serious attention to this issue and, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, help the displaced in line with their inherent duties without losing time.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes all parties resolve existing problems through talks and understanding. In line with this, Iran, once more, expresses its readiness to help the resolution of topics related to Afghanistan through intra-Afghan talks, owned by Afghans, and also to help create a regional consensus on the issue of Afghanistan. It is in this context that we welcome the peaceful transition of power through the strategic council, comprised of top leaders of Afghanistan.”
Taliban: Shiites Face No Threat for Holding Muharram Mourning Ceremonies
The militants’ official in charge of cultural affairs Molavi Zabihollah Nourani in the north west said they will not create any problems for Shiite citizens of Afghanistan, adding that the group has no problem with Muharram ceremonies.
“Our Shiite brothers can rest assured that they will face no threat from our side and they can go after their activities and mourning ceremonies with peace of mind,” he told Afghanistan’s AVA Press news agency.
In reaction, an Iranian expert on social and religious affairs welcomed the announcement.
“Fortunately the Taliban have no problem with marking of the month of Muharram and have so far had a proper treatment with Shiites,” said Hossein Naderi.
“The current Taliban are different with the Taliban of 20 years ago. They have come to the conclusion that they should keep their Shiite brothers at their side and, as long as I know, the Shiite population [in Afghanistan] is also pleased with how the Taliban are treating them.”
Nearly 14 centuries ago, Shiites third Imam and the grandson of Islam’s holy Prophet Mohammad, along with dozens of members of his family and companions, was martyred on the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram, known as Ashura. Shiites mark the occasion with mourning ceremonies around the world every year.
“Imam Hossein, peace be upon him, does not solely belong to Shiites. He is the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and belongs to all Muslims and the humanity can follow the Ashura uprising as a model to learn lessons about life,” Naderi said.
This comes as reports from the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan show mourners held street processions on the seventh day of Muharram without facing any disruption or interference by the Taliban.
Iran Allows Import of Pfizer, Moderna Vaccines Despite Earlier Ban
“We have issued the permits for imports of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from their permissible sources and will [continue] to do so. The name of a vaccine does not lead to limitations or prohibition [of imports] but the source of the vaccine should be trustworthy,” said Mohammad Reza Shanesaz.
Shanesaz added that the Health Ministry moves on the issue of vaccine imports based on the guidelines of the Islamic Revolution Leader.
“Purchase and sales of vaccines takes place between governments across the world. Even Pfizer announced that they deliver their vaccines only to governments. No private sector is involved in the purchase and sales [of coronavirus vaccines],” he said.
Back in January, Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei banned imports of coronavirus vaccines from the US and the UK saying they are not trustworthy and may be seeking to test their vaccines on other nations.
US Military Defeat Should Be Used to Restore Lasting Peace in Afghanistan: Raisi
The president, who chairs the Supreme National Security Council, told Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that the people of Afghanistan have a right to stability and welfare.
“Iran will work for establishment of stability in Afghanistan, which is the first thing the country needs today, and as a neighboring and brotherly country, calls on all [Afghan] groups to achieve a national consensus,” Raisi said.
The president also stressed Iran believes that with the will of the oppressed people of Afghanistan in place, security and stability with return to the country.
“Iran remains committed to neighboring ties with Afghanistan while attentively monitoring the developments in the country,” He added.
Raisi also tasked Zarif and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Vice Admiral Ali Shamkhani to carefully and continuously monitor the situation in Afghanistan and report the developments to the president.
Iran’s Top Security Official Vows Support for Will of Afghans
Shamkhani made the comment after the Taliban’s takeover of the Afghan capital Kabul.
“In December 2018, during my visit to Kabul, I had a challenging meeting with the Afghan president. Today’s painful comments by the country’s defence minister reflect the effect of 20-year occupation of Afghanistan by the US and the depth of the infiltration of the Afghan government by Washington and its influence [on Kabul],” he said in a tweet Monday.
“Just like the past 40 years, we support the people of Afghanistan and their will,” he added without elaborating.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also said in a tweet Sunday that he welcomes the establishment of the coordination council by the Taliban leaders. He said Iran will help efforts to restore peace in Afghanistan.
Iran’s Zarif, China’s Special Envoy Discuss Afghan Developments
During the Monday meeting, Zarif elaborated on the views of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the recent developments in Afghanistan. He underlined Iran’s support for the coordination council on peaceful transition of power in Afghanistan with the aim of preventing any escalation in violence and breakout of war amid the current situation in Afghanistan.
Zarif touched on the issue of those displaced due to the recent developments in Afghanistan and their flood toward neighbouring countries as one of the most important and vital issues arising from the Afghan developments. He said this needs serious attention especially with regard to the difficult situation the coronavirus pandemic has created.
At the start of the meeting, Zarif also extended his congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and China and, speaking on behalf of the Iranian government, thanked the Chinese government for supplying coronavirus vaccines to Iran.
During the meeting, Yue also extended his congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of political ties with Iran and described the strategic cooperation between the two countries as significant. He also outlined his country’s views on the Afghan developments and underlined the necessity of cooperation among regional countries, especially Afghanistan’s neighbors, on the issue.
Iran Draws Down Diplomatic Staff in Afghanistan: Spokesman
“Regarding the status of Iran’s missions in Afghanistan, I should say that out of the five Iranian missions in Afghanistan, including in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, Herat and Kandahar, our colleagues have already left three missions in Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat and Kandahar and have been conducting their activities from Kabul,” said Saeed Khatibzadeh when asked by reporters about the status of Iranian missions in Afghanistan.
“Of course, due to some reasons, it had been decided that the closure of these missions not be announced,” he added.
“At the moment, only the security guards and a few local colleagues are present at these three missions,” Khatibzadeh said.
“Iran has also drawn down staff members at its embassy in Kabul, and a number of our colleagues have returned, leaving only enough personnel to handle the embassy’s essential activities,” he explained.
He also weighed in on the situation of Iran’s consulate general in Herat, saying, “Our diplomats are in full health and have no problem travelling to and from Iran, but to be on the safe side, we preferred them to stay at the mission for now,” said the spokesman.
A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on August 15
Abrar Newspaper:
1- Coronavirus Kills 466 More Iranians
2- Tehran Government Offices, Businesses, Banks to Close as of Monday
3- All Roads to/from Tehran to Remain Closed Until Aug. 27
Afkar Newspaper:
1- Raisi: All Illegal Traffic Must Be Stopped
Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper:
1- Another Period of Useless Shutdowns to Contain Coronavirus
2- Insisting on Wrong Decisions [Editorial]
* Experts Believe This Type of Shutdown Will Only Help Spread Virus
Ebtekar Newspaper:
1- New Coronavirus Restrictions: Lockdown to Be Imposed from Monday to Saturday
Etemad Newspaper:
1- Raisi: Iran to Buy 30 Million Doses of Vaccine
Ettela’at Newspaper:
1- National Resolve to Counter Coronavirus
Farhikhtegan Newspaper:
1- Iran to Accelerate Import of Vaccines
Hamshahri Newspaper:
1- Number of Children Contracting Coronavirus Increasing
Javan Newspaper:
1- Coronavirus Won’t Be Contained with Such Lax Lockdown (Photo of Traffic Jam in Iran Roads)
Kayhan Newspaper:
1- Lockdown Holidays Will Double COVID-19 Deaths If Used for Going on Vacation
Khorasan Newspaper:
1- Be Strict This Time!
* Massive Lockdown, Preventing Traffic as of Sunday Night
Mardom Salari Newspaper:
1- A Review of Coronavirus Mismanagement
* Will One-Week Lockdown Decrease COVID-19 Deaths?
Quds Newspaper:
1- Fifth Peak of Coronavirus: We’re the Culprits
* A Report on How People Don’t Observe Health Protocols
SMT Newspaper:
1- Iran at Centre of A Mega-Crisis
Shargh Newspaper:
1- Muharram Mourning Ceremony at Iran Leader’s Hussainya without People’s Presence
2- National Solidarity against Coronavirus
Tejarat Newspaper:
1- Countering COVID-19 with Five-Day Shutdown of Gov’t Offices and Businesses
2- Iran’s Economy Lagging Behind Due to Coronavirus, Blackouts, Growing USD Rates
3- Coronavirus Decreases Plane Ticket Prices
Vatan-e Emrooz Newspaper:
1- Major Change in Management of Pandemic
* Massive Spread of Mutated Virus Killing 500, Infecting 40,000 in Iran Every Day
