Developing Story: Iran Seeking Greater Influence In Africa

According to an Independent News Agency from the Islamic Republic of Iran that Country is seeking a Greater Influence in Africa. The Person that made the statement was the Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs.

At this Time Iran has received a Fair Amount of Criticism for Supplying Sudan With Arms Shipments. Due to the Conflict that is currently ongoing in Darfur Sudan is currently under an Arms Embargo. Earlier this year Sudan and Iran had discussions in Khartoum to bolster the Military Ties between the Two States. Teheran has also been a staunch Ally of the Al-Bashir Government while most of the Rest of the World has been Highly Critical of its Darfur Policy.

Sudan is not the Only Nation where Iran has Interest in. There are Three other Nations as well which they have Interest in: South Africa, Uganda and Senegal. These Nations have sizable Muslim Minorites as well. The Islamic Republic seeks to create Commerical Ties with these African States. They are building a Tractor Factor in Uganda, A Samand Assembly Line in Senegal and sending Doctors to South Africa.

The Question about whether or Not the Interests of the US and Iran will come into conflict in Africa can be answered by When and Where. In 2006 when Ethiopia Intervened in Somalia there were Fears that this conflict had the Potential to Lead to a Clash between the Iranians and the United States. Thankfully this did not Occur but a Clash between Proxies of Washington and Teheran cannot be ruled out.

The other choices of South Africa,Uganda and Senegal are interesting as well. Both Countries are relatively close to several Crisis Zones. South Africa is a Neighbor to Zimbabwe which is Imploding on A Grand Scale. In Fact some commentators are comparing what is going on in Zimbabwe to what is going on in Somalia. Senegal is in West Africa where Drug Trafficking is Increasing, One Country Gambia is starting to resemble Zimbabwe and there is ample sources of Petroleum.

Uganda has been trying to end an Insurgency that has lasted for over three decades. A Peace Treaty is ready to be signed but there is a last minute hitch. The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in a State of Chaos as well. Tutsi Rebels are trying to make their Voices Heard in the Lawless Eastern Part of the Country. Talks between the Government in Kinshasa and the Rebels take place on December 8th.

The New Administration could see this as an Opportunity to Promote an Agenda for Africa. To see if they can contain the Influence of the Islamic Republic. It can also lead to an attempt for the US and Iran to work together if its feasable. This could be a source of Tensions between Teheran and Washington as well in the near future. Could this be a reason for a US Strike on Iran?

The Author Comments on US Policy towards Africa and Publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet. it can be found at morganrights.tripod.com