Iran, Taliban racing to influence each other (3 -3)

Mohamed Shaath

In the past two episodes, The Reference reviewed the different stages of relations between Iran and the Taliban.

It also threw light on common interests that force the two opposing sides to reach an understanding on a number of files.

Here we will maintain our talk about the influence of each party on the other, especially in the making of sectarian and religious loyalties.

Iran tends to create loyalties for itself in regional states, enlisting help from Shiites in these states.

It may resort to using the same card to put pressure on the Taliban.

Iran may resort to offering support to Shiite groups in Afghanistan, including the Army of Justice, to fulfill this goal.

Afghan Shiites

According to statistics, the proportion of Shiites in Afghanistan ranges between 10 and 19% of the population.

Iran sought to use the Shiite card in Afghanistan, where it established the Islamic Unity Party which was led by Abdul Ali Mazari, who was killed by the Taliban after his arrest in 1996 in Kabul.

Other Shiite political parties were formed then and split from the mother party. Today, over ten small and large Shiite political parties are active in various regions of the country. They are involved in political work, have close relations with the Iranian regime and are working to secure their interests in the region and Afghanistan.

Through these Shiite entities, Iran penetrates educational and political institutions in Afghanistan.

It also infiltrates the security establishment to ensure its survival in the country and influence political decisions.

In the wake of the US attack on Afghanistan and the changes that have taken place in the country, Afghanistan has witnessed a tangible growth of the Shiite role in various political, economic, educational and social fields.