Yevseyev sees Iranian involvement in jailing of pilots in Tajikistan

Tajikistan had reasons for the accusation of smuggling against Russian pilots. Russia underestimated the Central Asian republic and Iranian interference, Vladimir Yeveseyev, Director of the Russian Center for Socio-Political Studies, told Vestnik Kavkaza

Presence of an auxiliary engine and a parts is not a violation, Yevseyev explains. "I believe Iran put its hand into the case. Perhaps Tajikistan did it under pressure from its close partner and ally. It is a useful tool of pressure for Iran. In the state of information war, I believe there is a good reason for a bargain: "Let's build good relations and we will assist in releasing the pilots". Certainly, Russia has direct links with Tajikistan. But if it has obligations to Tehran, all our links and demarches on expulsion of Tajik migrants would not be enough", the expert says.

Yevseyev mentioned that there was an active talk on the problem of Tajiks in Moscow. It is hard for Russia to develop economic ties with Tajikistan which has nothing to offer with its poor infrastructure. This causes concerns with inner stability.

The expert says that Iran and Tajikistan have closer ties in some spheres. Release of the pilots is necessary, before a trial ends. Russia overestimated its influence. Iran contributes to Tajik economy and culture a lot more than Russia. The two states are closely connected with culture and both have Sunni societies, Yevseyev concludes.