January, 2002

US Policy towards Iran, Turkey and Russia

Dr. Mohammed Sa'ad Abu Amoud

Within the framework of US foreign policy, Iran, Turkey and Russia are important considerations. The United States seeks to limit the influence of Russia and Iran in Central Asia and to increase that of Turkey. US foreign policy also aims to minimise the benefits that Iran and Russia obtain from the Caspian Sea. The United States thus encourages disputes over oil and the pipelines that transfer oil to international markets, giving it an opportunity to intervene to protect its interests and obtain the largest possible quota of Caspian Sea oil. This strategy runs counter to the interests of Iran, Russia and China, which have gathered in a counter-coalition.

Until the events of 11 September, Washington did not pay too much attention to the interests of Russia, Turkey and Iran. The United States' recent campaign against terrorism, however, changed this. Aware that it could not successfully accomplish its military missions against the Taliban without Russian cooperation, the United States held talks with Russia to use airspace and land in Central Asia - in effect, an acknowledgement of Russian authority in the region.

The United States has also declared its cooperation with Iran in its war against terrorism. Iran, which used to be considered a sponsor of terrorism, condemned the attacks in New York and Washington and showed its readiness to participate in the international anti-terrorism efforts. Washington and Tehran shared the view that Iran's borders with Afghanistan should remain closed and the Iranian government agreed to allow the transport of US aid to Afghanistan through Iranian airspace. Nevertheless, the two countries differ about the definition of terrorism and how it should be confronted.

The United States, however, seems to view Turkey in a different light, and is considering the influential role Turkey could play in the future to serve US policy in the Islamic world. Turkey offered actual participation in the military operations, and reports suggest the possibility of the formation of an Islamic peacekeeping force in Afghanistan under Turkish leadership.