American Experts on Iran-Azerbaijan Relations

"Iran's influence in the South Caucasus and the Surrounding Region," was the topic of hearings held yesterday at the Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia of the U.S. Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs. Turan’s special correspondent reported from Washington that the meeting touched upon Azerbaijani-Iranian relations.

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher called the Iranian government a "gangster regime," and declared gross violation of human rights of the Azerbaijani population. He said that the Azerbaijanis of Iran, like all other people, have the right to be free. Rohrabacher praised the Azerbaijan government for "not fearing Iran." He noted that despite Iran's intention to spread radical Shiism in Azerbaijan, Tehran has not achieved this goal.

Brenda Shaffer, an expert on the region said the Iranian regime advocates for the rights of Muslims only in words, but in reality, it grossly violates the rights of the people of the same faith - Azerbaijanis.

Gregory Meeks, a senior member of Congress, said that despite the religious relationship between Azerbaijan and Iran, Tehran is on the side of Armenia in the Karabakh conflict. "The Iranians view the Caucasus as their neighboring countries, and believe that they have a natural right to dominate the region economically, politically and diplomatically," he said.

Michael Rubin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (a former Pentagon adviser on Iran and Iraq) said that the export of the Islamic Revolution remains a major goal for Iran. In the South Caucasus, the Islamic Republic focuses on subversive activities in Azerbaijan. Iranian authorities use charity to expand their influence. However, Rubin said "the people of Azerbaijan remain largely pro-Western orientation and do not accept the Iranian domination."

Ariel Cohen of the Heritage Foundation believes that Iran, resisting the division of the Caspian Sea, prevents the construction of a modern pipeline infrastructure and the development of energy resources in the region with international energy companies. Iranian leaders do not care about the welfare of people in the neighboring states. Caspian Sea hydrocarbon production is not as important for Iran as it has rich oil and gas resources in the south and access to the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

During the discussions there were opinions on the need to strengthen policies to protect the security and economic interests of Iran’s neighbors in the South Caucasus and Caspian regions. -25D -