Iran’s agenda with Afghan migrants: A diversionary tactic?

By
Staff Writer
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Recent divergent reactions among Iranians, both domestically and abroad, concerning the surge of Afghan migrants, have brought to the fore issues ranging from hospitality to hostility.
Recent divergent reactions among Iranians, both domestically and abroad, concerning the surge of Afghan migrants, have brought to the fore issues ranging from hospitality to hostility.

 

As the migration intensifies, governing authorities in Iran seem poised to exploit the vulnerabilities of these unfortunate migrants.The backdrop of this migration is the long-standing instability and conflict in Afghanistan, compelling countless Afghans to seek refuge in neighboring countries, notably Iran.

Historically, Afghan immigrants in Iran have been perceived as industrious and honorable, predominantly working in labor-intensive sectors like construction, often for minimal wages and scant benefits. Their seamless assimilation into Iranian society is commendable, with isolated regulatory infringements being exceptions rather than the norm.

 

 

However, Iran’s ruling clerical regime, always in the quest to further its interests, seems to be capitalizing on the plight of these migrants. State-affiliated media outlets, including ones associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps such as the Fars news agency, have recently ignited concerns over an alleged influx of “10,000 to 15,000 Afghan migrants daily”.

While the agency places the migrant number at a staggering 8 million, or approximately 10% of Iran’s population, these figures are met with skepticism, especially from other state-run publications like Shargh newspaper, which challenges the validity of such claims.

 

 

This contentious issue reveals a seemingly calculated tactic by the clerical regime: a diversionary strategy aimed at redirecting public attention from its internal challenges, such as the dwindling numbers in its military and paramilitary forces amidst widespread protests.

The regime’s exploitation goes beyond mere propaganda. There’s evidence suggesting that they recruit Afghan youths for their terrorist outfits by luring them with lucrative offers and compensation promises for their families. Groups like the Fatemiyoun have been notorious for their involvement in proxy wars in nations such as Syria and Iraq. There’s growing concern that such groups might be weaponized against the Taliban or to quell internal dissent.

International pressure only exacerbates the situation. The Iranian regime, threatened by potential global sanctions, uses the Afghan migrant situation as a bargaining chip. Veiled threats of mass expulsions towards Europe add another layer of complexity to the humanitarian conundrum.

 

 

Recently, leaked footage from Afghan migrant detention camps has spotlighted the regime’s alleged “expel and detain” policy. Whether such an approach is based on real demographic concerns or a fabrication, it is undeniable that sensationalizing the Afghan migrant issue provides a convenient distraction for the regime from the escalating internal discontent.

In sum, the unfolding Afghan migrant narrative in Iran seems less about genuine concerns for the displaced and more about a desperate regime using every means at its disposal to divert attention and cling to power.

 

 

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

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