Geopolitics matter more than religion in Caucasus and Central Asia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Geopolitics matter more than religion in the Caucasus and Central Asia, claimed Harvard University expert Dr Brenda Shaffer Saturday while addressing NATO legislators during the meeting of the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security in Reykjavik.



In fact, religion plays little or no part in the foreign policy of most Caucasus and Central Asian countries. Common cultural feelings don't translate in common alliances. Being Muslim - or not Muslim has no bearing, said Dr Shaffer. This is true for Iran in the choices of its alliance partners. And Iran's policy toward the Nagorno Karabakh conflict shows it. "Official state culture does not necessarily limit foreign policy options."



"Western countries, Dr Shaffer concluded, should stop thinking that religion determines these options and change their perceptions of the role of Islam in Muslim societies in these regions," she said.