Strategic Model of Relations Between Iran and the Second Taliban Government

Subject Areas : Iranian Political Research

Hamed Alizadeh ¹ , Mohammad Hasan Elahi Manesh ²

1 - PhD student, Department of Political Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Received: 2023-12-24 Accepted : 2024-09-20 Published : 2024-08-24

Keywords: SWOT model, foreign relations, Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan, Taliban.,

Abstract :

The present study aims to examine the strategic model of relations between Iran and the second Taliban government. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and the results indicate that during the years of the second Taliban government, the Islamic Republic of Iran has yet to officially recognize the Taliban. Both sides face disagreements on significant issues such as the type and model of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, border disputes, the Hirmand River water rights, the uncontrolled influx of Afghan refugees, arms and drug trafficking, extremism and attacks on Shia communities, fostering divisions, weakening the Persian language, and internal instability in Afghanistan. However, based on the SWOT model, despite these threats, there are important opportunities for Iran in areas such as economic cooperation, intelligence-sharing, regional organizations, combating terrorism, and utilizing the potential of Afghan refugees. Moreover, strengths such as a rich and shared culture with Iran, underground resources and minerals, an anti-imperialist discourse, Afghanistan's unique geopolitical position, the presence of the Hazara ethnic group and Shia communities, and military resources and weapons provide Iran with the ability to balance strengths and weaknesses by employing the SWOT model. This allows Iran to adopt four strategies for formulating and adjusting its foreign policy towards the second Taliban government. Among the four proposed strategies, the first and third would assist Iran in maintaining favorable relations with the Taliban, while the second and fourth strategies would enable Iran to stay aware of Taliban-related threats. Equipped with knowledge and grounded in current realities, Tehran can then design and implement its relations with the Taliban accordingly.

 

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