Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KABUL1671
2009-06-26 11:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kabul
Cable title:  

IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN AFHGAN HIGHER ED: SUBTLE BUT

Tags:  PREL KPAO KIRC SCUL AF 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9737
PP RUEHDBU RUEHPW RUEHSL
DE RUEHBUL #1671/01 1771126
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 261126Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9722
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 KABUL 001671 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/PPD, SCA/A
STATE FOR ECA, IIP

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958 N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO KIRC SCUL AF
SUBJECT: IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN AFHGAN HIGHER ED: SUBTLE BUT
SIGNIFICANT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 KABUL 001671

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/PPD, SCA/A
STATE FOR ECA, IIP

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958 N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO KIRC SCUL AF
SUBJECT: IRANIAN INFLUENCE IN AFHGAN HIGHER ED: SUBTLE BUT
SIGNIFICANT


1. SUMMARY: Given cultural and linguistic ties between Afghanistan
and Iran, no one is surprised that Iranian influence permeates
Afghan higher education. Ironically, just as Iran closes university
access to Afghan refugees in Iran, it is becoming more deeply
involved in Afghan higher education. Cash-strapped Afghan
universities have found Iran a willing economic supporter. The real
impact of Iranian influence in Afghan higher education lies in the
ability to block dissemination of Western ideas and values to the
young Afghan generation. It is difficult to assess whether the
motivation is benign or malicious, but in order to counter this
influence, we must make greater financial contributions and
establish a greater U.S. presence at the university level (see paras
25-28). This cable is a joint Public Affairs-PRT endeavor.

FROM CONTRACTORS IN THE FIELD
--------------

2. (SBU) When asked about Iranian influence in Afghan universities,
contacts of our officers across the country give us a consistent
response: it is significant but very subtle in approach. The
Iranians have a presence in nearly every university, ranging from
providing textbooks to study abroad trips to Iran for professors,
deans, rectors and even students. While most Westerners believe
Iranians' motives are political in nature, no one is sure of their
specific objective. Nearly every book in Afghanistan is published
in Iran and a very large Iranian bookshop has recently opened in
Kabul.


3. (SBU) The real impact of Iranian influence in Afghan higher
education lies in actions to block dissemination of Western ideas
and values in educational materials and instruction, an area in
which Iran has exercised great influence. Most of their activity is
done without publicity. As a result, we must compete with the
subtle but powerful cultural connections that exist between Iran and
the universities in Afghanistan.

Ministry of Higher Education Perspective:
--------------

4. (SBU) According to a trusted Afghan American advisor at the
Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE),the Ministry recognizes Iranian
influence in a number of ways. The single dominant area of
influence comes in the form of textbooks. Even though many are

translations from western authors and may not contain overt Iranian
ideology, these translations have been approved by the Islamic
Republic of Iran to omit unsanctioned views. Themes of democracy,
free speech, and human rights are conspicuous by their absence.
Iran's monopoly on the textbook market influences Afghans by the
ideas which simply are not translated.


5. (SBU) Our contact also complained about Iran "infiltrating and
influencing via Afghans." In other words, a number of professors
and MOHE personnel who have graduated from Iranian institutions tend
to carry back with them Iranian ideologies. He specifically noted
World Bank programs which are designed by individuals heavily
influenced by Iranian ideas. He also expressed concern at the
number of Iranian-educated Afghans who have taken administrative
roles at MOHE. He also noted that once they were in civil service
positions, it was next to impossible to get rid of them.


6. (SBU) The MOHE has sought to balance Iranian influence by turning
towards India and South Asian University in New Delhi. This
university, set to open August 2010, will offer Master's Degree
programs. Given the lack of Master's Degree programs in
Afghanistan, Afghans must travel abroad to seek post-graduate
education; the hope is that they will turn to South Asian University
rather than to Iranian universities. Family ties tend to pull young
Afghans back home from neighboring countries, less likely when they
study in Europe or the United States. Afghanistan is expected to
contribute a mere 3% of South Asian University's operating costs
($150,000 the first year). In addition, 3,500 Afghans receive
Indian scholarships annually. In effect, MOHE's strategy balances
Iranian influence with Indian influence, ensuring that democratic
values filter into the system.

HERAT: GREATEST CAUSE FOR CONCERN
--------------

7. (SBU) The most significant Iranian penetration of higher
education is in Herat. Herat University has signed MOUs
establishing limited partnerships with five Iranian higher education
institutes or universities. Most call for sending some Afghan
faculty and students to Iranian institutes. At least fifteen
professors from the Law and Political Science, Agriculture,
Economics, and Sharia Faculties reportedly are studying for Master's
Degrees in Iranian universities. Students go for shorter periods of
time.


8. (SBU) Iran has been the largest donor by far to Herat University,
which is not surprising given the common language and geographical

KABUL 00001671 002 OF 004


proximity. Iran established a cultural room in the Faculty of
Education in 2007 with several thousand books. Several Iranian
professors taught at Herat University in 2008 in two faculties, Law
and Political Science and Agriculture. Several professors and
students have gone on short study trips to Iran in recent years.


9. (SBU) In 2008 a delegation comprised of Iranian university
representatives and the Iranian Ambassador in Kabul visited Herat
University. An Afghan source who was present reported that during
the visit, the Herat University Chancellor at the time and the
Iranian delegation verbally agreed to send experienced Iranian
professors to Herat University to teach Afghan professors for a
period of two and a half years. One month each semester, Afghan
professors would go to Iranian universities to use their labs until
Herat University's science labs are equipped. Afghan professors
pursuing Master's Degrees would thus be prepared, according to the
Iranian delegation, to teach students in Master's Degree courses.
The Iranian delegation also said they were ready to extend
cooperation in cultural and research areas.

10 (SBU) The previous Herat University Chancellor tells us he feels
constantly engaged in a balancing act between increasing offers of
assistance from Iran and a few offers of assistance from European
and American universities or governments. As he explained to us, it
is a matter of economics. Our contact in the MOHE, however, was
openly skeptical of where his loyalties lie, given frequent trips to
Iran.


11. (SBU) On May 9, he was fired by the Ministry of Higher
Education. Currently, the head of the Economics Faculty is serving
as the Chancellor. Our contact in Herat did not know whether he
might keep the position in the long term, but indicated that he is
generally well liked and respected at the university. How he will
handle Iranian attempts to influence the faculty and students is yet
unknown.

AND AT OTHER PROVINCIAL UNIVERSITIES...
--------------

12. (SBU) Herat University authorities also reportedly helped
arrange an invitation to the Chancellor of Balkh University to
discuss exchange and partnership opportunities with an Iranian
university. Balkh University has proposed sending two engineering
instructors.


13. (SBU) In Mazar-e-Sharif, the most significant Iranian presence
is not educational, but cultural. The large, three-story cultural
center was inaugurated on the first day of the Persian New Year.
Additionally, Iranians donated 1,000 Farsi books to the library of
the Information and Culture Department, the construction of which
was funded five years ago by PRT Mazar.


14. (SBU) Also in the north, in Takhar province, the Iranians have
funded two larger projects: the religious faculty building at
Taloqan University and some of the paved roads in the northern part
of the city. In Kunduz, the Iranians have recently provided funding
and textbooks to the Institute of Higher Education's
newly-established law department. Overall funding contribution is
rumored to amount to about $20K. About 15% of Kunduz's population
is Shia, mostly Hazara.


15. We found significant Iranian activity even in the predominantly
Pashtu (Sunni) city of Jalalabad. In April, the former Nangarhar
University Chancellor told the PRT that the Iranian consulate in
Jalalabad has been aggressive in the past two months and believes
its presence in Jalalabad was a strategic decision to influence the
university. The consulate promised furniture for the library in
exchange for the University allowing the consulate to build a common
building for the students on campus. The consulate offered him a
trip to Iran. He refused, and the consulate has proposed that a few
teachers travel to Iran in the future. When asked about perceptions
of Iranians, the Chancellor told us, "People in Nangarhar are
thirsty for contact with any foreigners." To date, however, the
consulate has not given the university any money.


16. (SBU) In Kandahar, Iran built the Ministry of Information and
Culture building. While the Line Director offered us space in that
building to house a Lincoln Center (American Corner),the governor
has adamantly refused to allow an Iranian Cultural Center there. We
hope to open a Lincoln Center there in the coming fiscal year.

IN KABUL...
--------------

17. (SBU) At Kabul University, the Lincoln Center and Iranian
Cultural Center are side-by-side in the library. The Chancellor has
given us free rein to hold teacher trainings, student meetings,
webchats, and other activities, whereas he limits Iranian activity.
The Iranians funded a print facility and run the large on-campus

KABUL 00001671 003 OF 004


bookstore. An Iranian librarian recently proposed that the Iranian
system be used to catalog and digitize Kabul Medical University's
library. USAID, however, had already provided funding for Arizona
University to train the Kabul University and Kabul Medical
University librarians in the Library of Congress system. Of course,
USAID turned down the library's request to fund the Iranian
Project.


18. (SBU) In early May, Kabul University's library held an
international book fair. The U.S. Embassy book exhibit displayed
books on politics, easy readers, and college preparatory books
available at our Lincoln Center. We also gave away our popular
President Obama booklets as well as "Mosques in America" calendars
and booklets. Eager students quickly snatched up these high-quality
publications, which were in both Pashto and Dari or exclusively in
English. The Iranian exhibit was large, and included posters (in
English) of popular religious and tourist sites in Iran, and a
display of Iranian pottery. On the first day, the Iranians gave
away free tourist maps in Dari/Farsi and English. No Iranian
handouts were available in Pashto. The Iranian cultural officer
worked at the exhibit (and even took five of our "Mosques in
America" calendars).


19. (SBU) Thirteen local vendors were also present at the book fair.
Almost their entire stock was in Dari/Farsi and included many
Western books, translated into Farsi, and published in Iran, with no
apparent regard for intellectual property rights. Iran reprints a
large number of Western textbooks but intentionally omits certain
subjects and concepts. The textbooks gain credibility and influence
among the professors at Kabul University because they were written
by Western authors.


20. (SBU) Two private educational institutes in Kabul also deserve
mention, one, as disseminators of Iranian cultural influence, the
other as a western-influenced Shia religious school.
Khatam-ul-Nabieen ("Seal of the Prophet") Institute of Higher
Education and Academy is run by Ayatollah Mohseni. Mohseni was a
vocal supporter of the controversial Shia personal law that was
signed this past spring. While exact funding sources for this
institute cannot be verified, it is rumored that much comes from
Iran. The campus is certainly one of the most attractive, modern
and well-equipped we've seen in Afghanistan. Subjects offered
include: Law and Jurisprudence; Qur'an and Hadith Sciences;
Philosophy and Theology; Political Sciences; and Social Sciences.
Their attempts to start an English Department have been stalled and
unorganized - offering a potential opportunity for USG English
Language programs.


21. (SBU) The other institute is the Faiz Mohammad Kateb Institute
of Higher Education. The founder of the KIHE, Mohammad Ibrahim
Qasimi, immigrated to Canada during the Soviet invasion. His
investment, along with tuition fees, serves as the primary source of
funding. Though its curriculum is based on Shia Islam, this
institute is more secular and progressive than Mohseni's institute.



22. (SBU) Polcouns called on Kateb Institute Dean Mohammad Amin
Ahmadi on May 25. The Institute opened in 2008, and is currently in
its third semester. Student enrollment is over 700, comprised of
both full-time students, and those enrolled in evening classes. The
faculty is comprised almost entirely of Shia professors, including
Ahmadi, who received their post-graduate training in Iran. Ahmadi
estimated the student body to be about 75 percent Sunni. Ahmadi
reported no tension between Shia faculty and the largely Sunni
student body. The Institute currently offers courses in the human
sciences (law, international relations, etc.). The Law Faculty is
also developing programs for future training of judges and
prosecutors. Ahmadi wishes to expand its curriculum offering to
include banking, insurance, social sciences, etc.

BAMYAN & KHOST - THE EXCEPTIONS
--------------

23. (SBU) Iran provides no funding to the University of Bamyan and
sponsors no programming. Students there, a number of whom are
returnees from Iran, generally express distrust and dislike for Iran
(and Pakistan). They also dismiss supporters of more fundamentalist
interpretations of Shiism as either being from Iran or having been
"brainwashed" by Iran, despite the fact that a number of mullahs in
Bamyan received religious training in Iran.


24. (SBU) The United Arab Emirates funded and built Sheikh Zaid
University in Khost. There appears to be little or no Iranian
involvement or attempts to influence.

RECOMMENDATIONS
--------------

25. (SBU) We will continue to produce materials in Dari and Pashto

KABUL 00001671 004 OF 004


to counter the almost exclusively Iranian-Farsi materials on the
market. IIP's AVA Collection, which provided limited runs of
high-quality Farsi booklets, was extremely popular at the
universities. We will require additional resources to continue
print runs of existing titles and to expand the collection to
include democracy, governance, American life, economics, and other
subjects. We also plan to support Pashto publications in order to
fill that vital void. To date, all Pashto-language publications are
post-produced. It would be helpful if IIP could also support
Pashto-language initiatives.


26. (SBU) Even more productive would be a full scale U.S. Embassy
book translation program, which would allow neglected themes of
democracy, rights, and Western values into the mainstream. For
instance, the standard textbook on American Government and Politics
is Iranian translated and published - we have no way now to
translate and publish the original text completely.


27. (SBU) We strongly recommend expanding educational opportunities,
whether through the Fulbright program or scholarships to South Asian
University, to establish more of an American imprint in Afghan
higher education and thus build influence among the rising
generation. We need to foster personal relationships with
university students, so they can better see that the United States
is dedicated to helping Afghans rebuild their educational system and
thus their future. Done well, the potential impact on the future of
Afghanistan could be powerful.


28. (SBU) Finally, as we have urged repeatedly, we can exploit to
great effect against both Iranian and Taliban influence a full time
RELO, to meet the huge demand for English language learning across
Afghanistan. In our judgment, the current regional misallocation of
scarce RELO resources urgently needs redress.

EIKENBERRY