Publication

This report will discuss how to understand Iran as a regional player in regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will critically examine Iran’s engagement and influence, particularly in Afghanistan, and will argue that Iran is playing a double game. Iran is promoting its own interests according to the security risk they perceive the US to manifest. Iran is supporting President Karzai as well as a number of development initiatives, but Iran also wants to minimize the long-term presence of the US and allegedly backs insurgents undermining the US effort. Deterrence, counter-containment and competition are the keywords in these complex relations.