Iran's Influence on the Former Soviet Muslim Republics and the Implications for U.S. Strategic Policy
Abstract
With the break up of the Soviet empire, the six Muslim republics of the former USSR have found themselves looking for concepts and values to which they may cling in developing a sense and spirit of nationalism for their peoples. Several neighboring countries, including Iran, have offered assistance in this regard. To influence the six new republics, Iran has presented them with a model for an Islamic republic. But Iran has other concerns regarding the former Soviet Union, upon which it had come to rely for sophisticated weaponry that would help re-establish itself as a regional power in the Persian Gulf. In approaching the six Muslim republics, Iran has been careful not to offend the central power of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Russia, as represented currently by Boris Yeltsin. The United States has already declared a policy of recognition toward the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union, and will provide diplomatic representation soon. Turkey is providing an alternative, secular model of government for them -- in contrast to the Islamic republic model presented by Iran -- and also is assisting in their development. This paper describes the pressures that have been exerted on the six republics over the last several months, and offers additional policy considerations and recommendations for the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251190
Entities
People
- Thomas E. Todd
Organizations
- United States Army War College