Pro-Iran gathering opposes deal with US

JALALABAD (PAN): Expressing pro-Iran views, a political gathering in the capital of eastern Nangarhar province on Tuesday opposed signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US.

Held under the aegis of “Afghanistan commanders, university teachers and students.

In his address, Mangal Sherzad, a teacher at Nangarhar University, said the security agreement with the US was not in the interest of Afghanistan. He said under the grab of the agreement, the US wanted to strengthen its influence in central Asia.

In reference to Iran, he said the neighbouring country was the only Islamic nation that had long been a hurdle to the US and its allies in the region. “May Iran live long for being a hurdle to the US.” the lecturer said, calling the BSA as illegal.

He said individuals invited to the Loya Jirga on the agreement were yet to know about the event’s agenda.

Former jihadi commander Zainul Abidin told the gathering that the government was giving importance to the advice of 2,500 individuals, but would not pay heed to tens of thousands others opposing the security deal.

Tribal elder Nabi Gul Rahimzai told Pajhwok Afghan News the US wanted to use its military bases in Afghanistan against another Islamic country and suppress Iran.

Meanwhile, a number of Nangarhar University students staged a protest demonstration, asking the government not to sign the BSA.

Political expert and former Nangarhar University teacher, Mohammad Anwari Sultani, believed neighbouring countries had recently increased their interference into Afghanistan affairs.

He claimed Iran had distributed money to a number of tribal elders and politicians to seek their support in preventing the agreement to be reached between Afghanistan and the US.

“Today’s gathering is a clear evidence of Iran’s meddling. Iran has launched efforts to create anarchy in Afghanistan in violation of the international laws.”

Sultani said Iran had invited a number of Afghan elders for meetings with Iranian officials in the recent past.

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