By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer

 

Along with acts of sectarian terrorism, bordering on blasphemy, a new plot is being hatched by the enemies of the Iranian and Afghan peoples to drive a wedge between them, as was evident by Monday’s rowdy scenes in front of the Iranian consulate in Herat and Khost, as well as the embassy in Kabul by miscreants who tried to storm the diplomatic missions.

The Foreign Ministry in Tehran summoned the Afghan Charge d’ Affaires and demanded that the ruling Taliban militia provide adequate security at the Iranian diplomatic missions, and start legal proceedings against those who attacked the Iranian embassy and the consulates.

Iran and Afghanistan have shared a common history, culture, language, and religion since time immemorial, and for the past four decades the Islamic Republic has been hosting millions of refugees from its eastern neighbour due to unabated political instability that started in December 1979 with the Soviet invasion and has yet to end after late last year’s end of the 20-year occupation by the US which ceded power to the Taliban militia. 

The common foes of Iran and Afghanistan, who are actually the archenemies of Islam even if they carry Muslim names, have of late been circulating fabricated videos alleging mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Iranian security forces.

Most Afghan people are aware of the gravity of the plot and by dismissing such videos, have reaffirmed their traditional ties with the Islamic Republic, which despite the failure of the UNHCR to provide it with the needed funds, has made available all basic facilities to the registered refugees, including health, medical, educational, and employment services.

The two countries share a 900 km long border and carry on billions of dollars of trade, with Iran serving as the main economic lifeline for landlocked Afghanistan.

Iran is also actively involved in reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, especially in its western parts by providing vital help in building roads, railway network, schools, hospitals, libraries, and cultural centres.

This means that the common man in Afghanistan, whether in Herat or in Khost, Kabul, and other towns and cities, feels grateful to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This, however, has become anathema for the enemies, including the US, which has transported thousands of the macabrely murderous Daesh terrorists to Afghanistan from Syria and Iraq.

They hate to see consolidation of Tehran-Kabul ties and for this reason are using terrorists and hired agents to indulge in acts of violence, coupled with a smear campaign against Iran.

As is evident from the footage of the violence in front of the Iranian consulate in Herat, the miscreants shouting slogans against the Islamic Republic and pelting stones at the diplomatic mission, do not seem to be local people.

Therefore, in view of these facts, both Iran and Afghanistan and their respective peoples ought to exercise extra vigilance in order to frustrate the devilish designs of their common enemies to disrupt ties.