Mohsen ROSTAMI (Faculty Member, National Defense University-mmahya1392@gmail.com)

Abstract

This study has been prepared by a strategic approach in the field of foreign policy, approaches for promoting the situation of Islamic nations in Western South Asia region. The main problem of this study is because there are no codified approaches in the field of foreign policy of Islamic Nations regionally for promoting their situation. In this study conducted by correlation method, the general objective is preparing the strategies for strengthening the situation of Islamic nations in the field of foreign policy in Western South Asia. In terms of this objective, the main question of this study includes what are the approaches for strengthening the situation of Islamic nations in western south Asia? Main approach in this case include: strengthening the multilateral foreign policy in western south Asia by promoting the peaceful coexistence, normalization, constructive interaction, détente, trust building by using the structural experiences and existing human force, wave of Islamic awakening and situation of these nations in the region in order for promoting their situation and movement in the route for attaining a suitable situation.
Keywords: Islamic nations, west Asia, Approach

1. Introduction

In the international environment, all players are among the most important one that are the states follow their objectives, approaches, and their specific needs and influenced by different factors in this case. States as the most important players in the international area, design and manage their activities and actions out of their borders called “foreign policy” in order for providing the national objectives and benefits.

Competitive nature and majority number of factors and variables influencing on the behavior of governments is considered as the properties of international environment causing some limitations in the foreign policy of nations as well as their attempt for using all tools they possess. Therefore, in order for providing their objectives and benefits in the international space lacking absolute governance and even having no effect in the view of some scholars, governments require strong and efficient management for determining and implementing a suitable approach.

Western South Asia region is one of the very important regions through the world and because it has been located in the junction of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, presence of main waterways and accessing to free waters, full energy sources, historical, cultural, civilization, demographic and identity properties as well as variety of governments and presence of competition space, military, cultural and security conflicts.

Because Bible School of Islam has many orders about relations of Muslims with other nations, and holy Koran, in most verses, recommends locating peaceful relations between Muslims and other nations (Holy Koran, Anfal: verse 61), according to some scholars, the fundamentals of foreign policy in Islamic countries for attaining the development and suitable situation regionally and international system includes peaceful coexistence, détente, trust building, multilateralism and coalition-building (Javadi Arjmand, 2008: 313). Other authorities also consider development-oriented foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence, détente, trust building and multilateralism (Dehgani Firoozabadi, 2008: 135). Undoubtedly, promoting the situation of Islamic Republic of Iran in the Western South Asia, naturally comes with dynamic conditions, is provided in the light of making and developing a strategic thought for preparing and implementing the effective approaches. Main players of Western South Asia based on current developments through the region in a competitive space are seeking for new role and promoting their situation.

2. Statement of Purpose

Having geopolitical and geostrategic situation in the main region of Western South Asia, Islamic nations always play important role and it is considered as factors predisposing the cooperation and multilateral interaction. However, evidences indicate that relations with Islamic countries through the region lack any institutionalization (Mohammadi, 2008: 191).

During past years, having abundant capacities in different economic, political, cultural and geopolitical areas, Islamic nations couldn’t yet be provided with the possibility of actualizing all their potential power sources and couldn’t also attain suitable situation throughout the region. Therefore, the main issue of this study is the absence of codified approaches for foreign policy to promote the situation of Islamic nations in the Western South Asia Region.

3. Importance and Necessity of Study

Attaining to the strategic objectives requires scientific and strategic mechanisms; attaining to a determined situation requires passing through a suitable scientific process relying on a strategic thought. Ignorance to the study in this field and absence of suitable theoretical mechanism and lack of any scientific answers to existing questions for attaining to strategic objectives may makes attaining to such objectives inaccessible. Conducting this study may provide necessary scientific support for attaining related objectives; for this reason, this study is important.

• Attaining to the objectives of a strategic document requires designing and implementing the proportional policies in the field of domestic and foreign policy. Undoubtedly, foreign policy as a linking circle of country to the international area is very important to attain this objective. Role of this area becomes clear when we see that promoting such situation in the vision relies on constructive interaction with international environment. On the other hand, according to the space of western south Asia that is very competitive and any nation through the region in such a competitive space seeks for promoting its role and situation, a movement proportional to the regional and global evolutions requires a strategic planning. Strategies concluded from this study provide a basis for planning of Islamic nations in the area of foreign policy. In this case, this study comes with an applied importance.

• Development of strategic literature in the field of foreign policy in the scientific and academic centers of the country and recognizing the theoretical basis in this field in Western South Asia include some of the cases in the theoretical importance of this study; on the other hand, this study may develop the strategic literature in the field of foreign policy and therefore this study is very important.

4. Literature Review

Western South Asia Region

In Western South Asia, there are five sub-systems that could be recognized. Central Asia, Caucasia, Oman Sea, Western South Asia (Middle East) and subcontinent are accounted as sub-systems of Western South Asia (Rezaei et al, 2004: 99).

Persian Gulf area includes countries member of Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, Middle East in terms of countries such as Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan and Caucasia include countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia; Central Asia include countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Subcontinent include Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thus, mentioned geographical area is accounted as the basis for foreign policy of Iran. In any region, Iran has specific benefits and however it encounters with special threats and opportunities; therefore, to attain its benefits, it must prepare given approaches and behavioral patterns (Mohammadi, 2008: 192).

Sub-systems of Western South Area are in close relations with each other and geographically, Iran is located in the center of them (Rezaei & Mobini Dehkordi, 2011: 247). Historical events of Iran during two recent centuries, chronologically, indicate the importance and role of Iran in global and regional evolutions (Manuchehri, 2002: 212). Due to the geopolitical and geo-economics properties, Western South Asia was always considered by international powers; this region has a place for struggles between USA and Soviet during the dipole regime and cold war and any superpower country by alliance of some of regional countries pursued for their strategic benefits. By directives and policies such as security directive of Dustoti Nickson and policy for ostracizing communism, USA combated with soviet and on the other hand, by concluding NATO, SENTO, SITO and ATUS military contracts, it launched the policy of ostracizing the communism. By military contracts and other mechanisms such as VARSHO and COMITREN, Soviet also competed with west block. The most important area for struggle between two superpowers was in the Western South Asia, particularly Middle East and Persian Gulf (Mohammadi, 2008: 197).

Territorial dispute, interventions of trans-regional powers and ethnic and religious issues are among divergence factors and barriers for formation of multilateral trends in Western South Asia. In comparison, they have provided some ethnic commonalities, economic needs, basis for cooperation and making multilateral mechanisms (Kamrava, 2009: 57).

Strategic Ecology in Western South Asia

Western South Asia includes 23 country such as Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Gov, Jordan, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan located in regional sub-systems of Persian Gulf, Oman Sea, Central Asia, Caucasia, Subcontinent and Western South Asia (Middle East) (Rezaei et al,2004: 26).

Naturally, all aforementioned countries have no capacity for regional role and only some countries from Western South Asia enjoys of potential and actual capacities for influencing on the strategic equations through the region. Some regional countries, due to having one or several components of power are known as single-sided power regionally. Due to its history of civilization, Egypt, Qatar and UAE based on the extension of their political and economic relations, Pakistan because it has atomic weapons, Iraq due to its great oil reservoirs are accounted as main players through the region. But their power components aren’t in the level of some other countries like Islamic Republic of Iran.

Saudi Arabia is one of the main counties through the region with many roles in strategic issues of the region. Geopolitical situation of this country next to Persian Gulf and Red Sea is very important. Because this country benefited from great oil and gas reservoirs, therefore it has a prominent geo-economics situation. In the geo-culture view, due to location of both holy shrines (Mecca and Medina), Saudi Arabia benefited from a considerable situation. Membership of Saudi Arabia in Arab League, Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, OPEC, Islamic Conference Organization and WTO indicates the attention of this country to multilateral international mechanisms. One of the main policies of Saudi Arabia in the region is providing the security of Persian Gulf and Red Sea and in this framework; it always seeks for fulfilling an endogenous hegemonic regime. As a regional player in Western South Asia, Saudi Arabia is accounted as a prominent power in the southern corner in sub-system of Persian Gulf (Rezaee & Mobini Dehkordi, 2011: 269).

Saudi Arabia in the subcontinent of India, particularly in Pakistan and in Palestine is competing with Islamic Republic of Iran. Since 2003, by fall of Sadam regime, Iraq has been accounted as one of the stages for wide activities of Saudi Arabia and serious competition with policies of Islamic Republic of Iran. Promoting Wahhabism and supporting the activities of this sect is accounted as main policies of Saudi Arabia in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although Saudi Arabia couldn’t yet be succeeded in penetration to and playing serious role in the Central Asia and Caucasia, however, it has followed this objective during recent years, mainly in the cultural area such as building the mosques and financial aid to specific cults (Amir Ahmadian,2006: 48).

Saudi Arabia government began preparing major approach for this country since 1998 up to 2025. The vision of 2025 for Saudi Arabia mainly focused on economic components and in order for ensuring the economic movement in a proper route and for making some developments, it has determined given indicators (Rezaei & Mobini Dehkordi, 2011: 149).

Events of Sept, 11, 2001, provided the bed for presence of USA in Afghanistan and Iraq, and began a wide war against Taliban and Al Qaeda on one side and the wave of Islamic awakening through the region that has been extended to this country as well, on the other side resulted in weakness of Saudi Arabia power through the region. As a regional arm of USA, Saudi Arabia plays important role. Due to the nature of its government, this country is encountering with threat of fall. However due to its economic and security capabilities, it tries to inhibit the wave of Arabic uprising (Milani, 2011).

Turkey is also another main country influencing on Western South Asia. Turkey as the only Muslim country, a member of NATO located in the southern coast of Black Sea, established the main America Surveillance Databases in the SINOPT and TRABUZAN Marine bases in its territory. These bases together with very important air base like DIarbekr in eastern south of Turkey as well as Anjirlik air base in Eskandaroon port, all were active against Soviet and controlling Caucasia to prevent the attacks of countries member of VARSHO Contract to the territory of NATO Contract (Abulhasan Shirazi & Madjidi, 2003: 329).

Joining to UE was one of the great hopes of Turkey government during recent decades emerged in the foreign policy of this country. On the other hand, Osmanism thought and retrieving the imperial power of Othoman is another ideal of Turkey authorities during recent years. Fall of Soviet on 1991 provided this opportunity for Turkey to seek for retrieving its Othoman imperial power by developing its relations with Caucasia and Central Asia countries; particularly some countries of Central Asia and Caucasia like Uzbakistan and Azerbaijan have some cultural and language commons with Turkey (Taghavi Asl,, 2000: 56).

During recent years, Turkey developed its economic relations with Caucasia and Central Asia countries and because of the policies of this country through the region, it can be said that Turkey and Islamic Republic of Iran are competing together in Caucasia and Central Asia. International policy of Turkey came with some successes in Caucasia such as establishing Baku-Jeyhan Pipeline. Turkey has no considerable effect on other sub-systems of Western South Asia like Subcontinent of India and Persian Gulf; however, after conquer of Afghanistan by Allied Forces on 2001 followed by presence of NATO in this country, Turkey could strengthen its presence in Afghanistan; however this country plays role in term of NATO and lacks any penetration per se in Afghanistan (same).

Before rise of AKP, policy makers committed to the idealist policies of Turkey, decided to follow from West views, consequently neighborhood and Muslim countries in the Middle East were in next priorities and west and its alliances were among the main partners of Turkey. Close cooperation between Turkey and Gov (Israel), particularly in the time of Bulent Ajvit as prime minister, was among such policies. However, after rise of APK in Turkey, foreign policy of this country changed considerably and it came with “zero tension policy”. After Islamic awaking, Turkey authorities made inconsistent decisions and behaviors and took wondering actions about Syria. In addition, while by mediation of Turkey, it presented a plan for solving the Iran’s Nuclear Crisis and West, it agreed for being a host for USA’s Missile Defense Shield Plan. Under the conditions for transient of region and Islamic directions, Turkey tries to introduce its democracy pattern, particularly based on experiences and successes of APK, as a successful model for combining Islam and democracy into the public thoughts and elites of Arab World (Amirzadeh, 2011).

After fall of Soviet; Iran and Turkey as two regional powers tried to increase their influence regionally. Because Turkey is accompanying USA policies in the region, this country could obtain many supports by USA and could to some extent fade the role and presence of Russia and Islamic Republic of Iran in the region (Amir Ahmadian, 2006: 19).

In this case, due to the passage of gas and oil pipelines from Caspian Sea and Central Asia, Turkey acts as a gate for entrance of energy into Europe. One of the reasons that some European countries are supporting its membership in EU is because of this importance (Vahidi, 2006: 84).

Although Gov may not be considered as a regional power individually in the region because it has no enough capacities, however due to the supports provided by Western governments, particularly USA, it could play some roles in the region. After establishment of this regime on 1948 due to various wars between Arabic countries in the region in different parts with this regime, Gov couldn’t communicate and interact with regional countries, however during recent years, due to the actions taken by some western governments, this regime could communicate with regional countries. Although it is more than 60 years passing from establishment of Gov in Palestine, however this regime is in its security phase and first priority for foreign policy in this regime through the region is providing its security and stabilizing its identity (Rezaei & Mobini Dehkordi, 2011: 276).

During recent decades, Gov always tried to increase the relations between regional countries by concluding peace contract with its neighbors and developing its commercial and economic relations with regional countries besides supplying its security and economic needs; however it is clear that such actions couldn’t be possible without supports by western governments particularly USA. After fall of Soviet, Gov made wide attempts to increase its presence in Caucasia and Western South Asia such as subcontinent of India and Central Asia and particularly developing its relations with Republic of Azerbaijan. In other sub-systems of Western South Asia such as India and Persian Gulf, it tried to increase its relations; in Persian Gulf, Qatar was a pioneer (same).

Due to the sever hostility between Gov and Islamic Republic of Iran and conflicting relations between Iran and Israel, objectives, policies and benefits of regime is in stark contrast with objectives, policies and benefits of Iran in the region.

For strategically studying the Western South Asia, it is necessary to mention the role of USA as the most important intervening power through the region.

For its more presence in Central Asia and Caucasia, USA prevented formation of mechanisms and unions. USA also wants to reduce the role of regional powers and their presence and or at least reducing their role in regional political and economic trends. Therefore, by direct penetration and by cooperation of its alliances, USA intends to fade the role of Islamic Republic of Iran through the region (Mirtaher & Sepehrian, 2002: 65).

About two decades ago the major policy of USA in Central Asia and Caucasia called as an alternative for containment policy. This strategy helps developing the democracy space and market economy in mentioned nations to supply the USA’s benefits (Lik & Morgan, 2002: 189).

Noticing the region of Caspian Sea on 1997 as a region for strategic benefits of USA indicates the importance of this region for Washington. Generally USA government tried to take action for resolving the disputes in favor of its national benefits by strengthening the economic mechanisms of region, development of energy transfer from East to West; by which it reduces the penetration of Iran and Russia with more benefits for USA. The most important objective of USA in Central Asia and Caucasia is maintaining the unstable situation, and its long term political, economic and security penetration in the region as well as combating with forces against USA benefits (Habibi Amin, 2002: 30).

In Caucasia, Iran encounters with other serious challenges including the presence of western and regional powers presents from time to time by conflict of interest and occasionally by sharing of benefits in the region. For present in the region, Russia and Turkey see Iran as a barrier and then both are in conflict together; although Turkey from regional players and Europe and USA from trans-regional players, by putting Iran aside could also seclude Russia. Therefore, Iran is in conflict with Turkey economically and culturally, and with Russia economically and strategically and finally under current conditions, it plays a role less than its potential insisting on it (Amirahmadian, 2011).

In Central Asia and Caucasia, Russia is in competence with Iran; on Dec, 1991, together with two Republics of Ukraine and White Russia, Russia took action to form an organization called “Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In a short interval, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Moldovan jointed to this organization. Republic of Georgia also jointed to this commonwealth on Oct, 1993 (Colaei, 1997: 124). CIS could at least meet the needs of some governments while at the same time it could follow some other vital objectives as well (Shori, 2004: 273).

There are two cross-currents in Caucasia one is western-eastern passing from Black Sea, Caucasia, Caspian Sea and Central Asia and its liking element is Trasyka Transit Corridor and another one is Northern- Southern passing from North Europe, Russia, Caspian Sea and Iran and connecting the Warm waters of Persian Gulf, Oman Sea to Indian Ocean and subcontinent and transit corridor of North-South is the apparent element connecting it. Because Iran is a rival for Russia, in this game of North- South it makes some barriers for Iran (Amir Ahmadian, 2011).

Ecology of Middle East indicates that its situation contains the transient and development in the hierarchy of powers each of which try to form a new system. In this new situation, Middle East encounters with many issues and problems with security as its main basis. Evolutions after 1990s indicates a situation that foreign policy of countries involved in the region moves towards a direction that apparently providing them with an extraordinary power for following up for their objectives to make a new system after first war of Persian Gulf. Therefore, unrealistic understanding is the basis of conflicting foreign policy by main players in the Middle East. USA is at the top of this kind of perception and foreign policy defining itself against Iran based on the logic of conflict. Conceiving that it has better capability for organizing a new American discipline through the region, USA has taken unilateral strategies against Islamic Republic of Iran (Galibaf & PourMousa, 2008: 55).

Persian Gulf is also one of the main areas in the foreign policy of Iran. It’s geostrategic and geo-economics importance during a few past decades and particularly increased importance due to evolutions and competitions after Sept, 11, increased the sensitivity and attention of many great powers in this region. Among great international powers, Western powers, i.e. USA and some European countries paid more attention to their presence in Persian Gulf (Vaezi, 2010: 87).

In Persian Gulf, USA also follows from specific objectives. According to the geopolitical, geostrategic and geo-economics importance of Persian Gulf, USA gives special place for this region. In this case, some of the main issues of Persian Gulf include accessing to waterways and raw materials, concentration of USA benefits in Persian Gulf, concerns of USA in Persian Gulf due to lack of continuance of Persian Gulf’s oil and continuance of Japan, Europe and China needs to the regional oil (Nakhshid & Matin, 2011: 218).

USA seeks for fundamental and main objectives, i.e. abundant energy sources in Persian Gulf. Accessing to oil, controlling the markets of Persian Gulf region, controlling the strategic situation of Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, combating with penetration of Russia in the region and combating with Islamic Revolution and penetration of Iran all accounted as the objectives and policies of USA in the region (Vaezi, 2007: 274).

Objectives of USA in Persian Gulf came with two main basics, security and oil. Security means supporting its regional alliances, combating with countries not in parallel with USA policies and providing the security of energy transfer routes. Another part of objectives of USA in Persian Gulf includes accessing to energy sources and ensuring its supply for future (Vaezi, 2010: 62).

Major Strategies of USA in Persian Gulf Include:

1. Supporting the oil sources and ways for ensuring the continuance of its injection to the west, particularly USA and supporting low prices and even keeping it stable;

2. Maintaining the region as a market for using the goods and American services as well as for selling USA weapons through the region;

3. Supporting the alliances of USA in the region as well as ensuring the stability and security of western countries supporting USA through the region;

4. Arrangements for regional security of Persian Gulf, stabilizing the power of USA and preventing the strength of countries against this country;

5. Encountering with radical Islamism, future of regional alliances of USA for dealing with internal and international threats and type of their relation with USA and Gov (Azimzadeh, 2012).

EU has also active foreign policy in the Western South Region, particularly Caucasia. One of the bases for foreign policy of EU is reduced dependency to Russia in the field of Energy Supply and finding the alternative sources and routes; because European countries intend to supply a part of imports for their energy sources from Central Asia and Caspian Sea. Providing INOGIT< TRASKA Plan, pipeline to Baku and concluding the Energy Charter Treaty has been also formed along with this need of Europe. One of the main concerns of EU is its dependency to energy. For this reason, they are seriously following for active economic cooperation with countries of Central Asia and Caucasia (Karami, 2008: 18).

Overall, policies of USA and Europe as the main trans-regional powers in Western South Asia are in conflict with foreign policies of Islamic Republic of Iran and because EU also follows from USA policies, therefore it can play considerable independent role in the region. USA was always deciding to perform its regional hegemonic behavior in the regions where are having more geostrategic and geo-economics importance (Bill, 2002: 50).

In the sub-system of subcontinent, strategic ecology of the region indicates that two eastern neighborhood countries of Iran including Afghanistan and Pakistan, due to having security problems, made some threats for national benefits of Iran followed by increased costs of Islamic Republic of Iran for controlling its borders. Besides political instability in Afghanistan as a complication enigma since many years ago with Afghan refugees, and smuggling the drugs and other social problems incurred by Iran, in Pakistan also it encountered with increased activities of Taliban with their fights with Army of this country. Consequently by developing the penetration and activity of extremists like Taliban and Al Qaeda in the region on one side and military presence of USA by the excuse of combating with terrorism in the eastern borders of Iran on the other side, put this country subject to increasingly security threats (Vaezi, 2010: 12).

Afghanistan is one of the critical points for region followed by problems for Islamic Republic of Iran. Issues such as migration towards Iran, increased production and transit of drugs and its negative outcomes to economic and social arena of the country provided Iran with security, economic and social challenges. Should Afghanistan government fail to overcome its critical conditions, inefficiency of government and extending the problems from this country to Iran will be increased more. By studying the approaches, objectives and benefits of foreign players in Afghanistan, it can be found that there are many conflicts between objectives and benefits of these players in Afghanistan; however, conflicting benefits couldn’t yet provide coalition or convergence of benefits for solving the issue of Afghanistan (Vaezi, 2011: 12).

Stabilizing the security environment of Iran based on the vision is also necessary like major strategy of the country. In terms of this vision, made clear its strategic selection for two next decades to attain the first situation regionally based on scientific, economic and technological areas and attaining to this goal is very hard in such a chaotic environment. Fulfilling such objective requires security environment in where stability and calm is the dominated property and before describing it by water, conflict, violence,…, cooperation and interaction with other players, development, and peace can form the indicators of such an environment (same).

One of the main and effective factors for strategic issues of Western South Asia region is development of wave of Islamic Awaking in this region began since 2010 and developed in many countries in the region in Western South Asia, Persian Gulf and North Africa. Regionally, Islamic Awaking has changed the balance of power more than any other time (Farazi, 2012).

Islamic Awaking influences on current relations between regional countries as well as future cooperation of such nations; in recent evolutions and Arabic revolutions, although in short term, it made political challenges such as difference in the strategies of regional nations to the Arabic revolutions and political disputes between regional nations, instability in the regional nations followed by higher priority of political- security issues than economic issues and opportunities such as fall of dictatorships and empowering the Islamist groups in the region; however in long term by making stability in the regional countries, increased role of people for controlling the countries, more independency of regional nations, promotion of Islamism and increased economic transactions between people, economic efficiency and political legality of new governments will provide suitable opportunity for countries of Middle East for making more serious and deeper economic cooperation (PourMohseni, 2012).

Materials and Methods

Type of Study:

This study is of applied type.

Methodology

As this study dealt with foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran in the Western South Asia, it has been conducted based on correlational or associational research method.

This study aimed to investigate the foreign policy of Islamic Nations and after dealing with the situation of the problem and formation of subject of study, the question and hypothesis were discussed. Indices of foreign policy for strengthening the situation of Islamic Nations in the Western South Asia were being evaluated and at the end there were provided some strategies. The independent variable in this study included multilateral foreign policy with five indicators including peaceful coexistence; normalization; constructive interaction; détente; and trust building and dependent variable includes strengthening the situation of Islamic Nations in the Western South Asia. According to the studies for effects of independent variable on dependent variable, the most suitable method for this study is correlation research method. By designing the questionnaire and data collection for multilateral foreign policy and analyzing them, the study hypothesis was tested and verified. In the hypothesis test, the significant of the relation in each indicator were tested by dependent variable- strengthening the situation of Islamic Nations. Finally, by using David method, there were prepared and presented some strategies for promoting the situation of Islamic Nations in Western South Asia.

Population and its Size

Population in this study may comprise wide spectrum of authorities and experts of Ministry of Foreign Affairs with minimum 10 years of experiences and authorities and researchers of Scientific and Researching Centers as well as professors of universities in the field of foreign policy and international relations who are familiar with region under study with PhD degree. By interviewing with advisors and supervisor and studying the literatures and studies conducted before in similar fields, the size of populations estimated about 200 persons.

5. Sampling and its Size

One-point random classification method was used for sampling. Because members of each class have similar properties, therefore sampling was conducted randomly in each class proportional to the sample size. Cocaran formula was used for determining the sample size and its size equaled to 65.

6. Data Collection

Data collection method in this study includes field and specific library methods.

7. Data Collection Tools

A data collection tool in this study includes questionnaire and first class documents.

8. Data Analysis Method

Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software and according to statistical methods. Initially collected data were analyzed descriptively and weighted average of variables was determined. Then, by using inferential statistics and formation of null hypothesis for any indicator and determining the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, the significant relation for each independent and dependent variables was determined and finally hypothesis of study was verified. In the third stage, using multi-variable regression, the effects of independent variables on dependent variable was simultaneously measured and finally, by estimating the effects of independent variables on each other, total direct and indirect effects of independent variables on dependent one were calculated. In order for preparing the strategies for strengthening the situations of Islamic Nations in Western South Region, David method was used.

How to Prepare the Questionnaire

Questionnaire include 5 indicators with totally 57 variables; first indicator-“peaceful coexistence” with 6 variables, second indicator- “normalization” with 7 variables, “constructive interaction” as third indicator with 26 variable, fourth indicator- “détente” with 10 variables and “trust building” as fifth indicator has 8 variables. For testing the hypothesis 1 based on indicator of “Peaceful Coexistence” there are 6 questions (questions 1 to 6) and for testing hypothesis 2 based on indicator “Normalization” the number of 7 questions (questions 7 to 13) and for testing hypothesis 3 based on indicator of “Constructive Interaction” the number of 26 questions (questions 14 to 39) and for testing hypothesis 4 based on indicator Détente the number of 10 questions (questions 40 to 49) and for testing hypothesis 5 based on indicator of “Trust Building” the number of 10 questions (questions 40 to 49) and for testing the hypothesis 5 based on indicator of Trust Building the number of 8 questions (questions 50 to 58) were discussed and embedded in the questionnaire. The number of 90 questionnaires were distributed among authorities and experts and among distributed questionnaires, 68 were completed and returned back to us.

In order for evaluating the reliability of questionnaire, the number of questionnaire was distributed as “pre-test” and after data collection they were evaluated. In this study, Cronbach alpha was calculated about 0.845 indicating the internal stability of variables is high therefore reliability of this questionnaire was verified.

9. Data Analysis

In this part collected data were analyzed statistically by PC software. According to existing theory, indicators including normalization, peaceful coexistence, constructive interaction, détente and trust building have been considered as indicators of independent variable of this study (multilateral foreign policy) and after preparing the questionnaire and determining the validity and reliability of questionnaire, it enjoys acceptable validity.

Table: Reliability of Questionnaire

Inferential Statistics

1. Hypothesis Test

Hypothesis of this study include: “there is significant correlation between multilateral foreign policy and strengthening the situation of Islamic countries in the Western South Asia and strategies for strengthening the situation of these countries in Western South Asia is based on multilateral foreign policy.”

Because independent variable of this study, multilateral foreign policy, has five indicators including peaceful coexistence, normalization, constructive interaction, détente, trust building, in the hypothesis test, the significant relation of each indicator with dependent variable, promoting the situation of Islamic countries, was tested.

Hypothesis of Indicator 1: There is significant correlation between peaceful coexistence in foreign policy and promoting the situation of Islamic countries in Western South Asia.

Above mentioned hypothesis is of correlation type and because both variables, independent and dependent in this hypothesis is of spatial type, therefore for studying it, one can use of Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Significant Test.

H₀: there is no significant correlation between peaceful coexistence in foreign policy and strengthening the situation of Islamic countries in the Western South Asia. (There is no significant correlation between both variables).

H₁: there is significant correlation between peaceful coexistence in foreign policy and strengthening the situation of Islamic countries in the Western South Asia. (There is significant correlation between both variables).

Hypothesis of Indicator 2: There is significant correlation between normalization in foreign policy and promoting the situation of Islamic countries in Western South Asia.

Other hypotheses were also tested and verified.

10. Results

After studying the subject of study and conducting the exploratory studies, the main question of study i.e. absence of codified strategies in the field of foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran and Islamic countries for promoting the situations in Western South Region was determined.

Fundamental question of this study include: Which are the strategies for promoting the situation of Islamic countries in the Western South Asia? Exploratory studies resulted in writing a hypothesis based on multilateral foreign policy conducted by determining the five indicators, including peaceful coexistence, normalization, constructive interaction, détente, trust building for multilateral foreign policy. Method used in this study was of correlation one. By using existing documents, the indicators of foreign policy for these countries were determined and evaluated for promoting the situation in Western South Asia; also strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of foreign policy in the countries of region were evaluated and by designing the questionnaire and collecting data related to multilateral foreign policy with analyzing them, the hypothesis of test was verified. It means that after collecting the data and studying and processing it by using PC software, it was determined that there is significant relation between independent variable, multilateral foreign policy with five indicators including peaceful coexistence, normalization, constructive interaction, détente, trust building, and dependent variable, promoting the situation of Islamic countries in the region.

Data analyzed in four stages: in first stage, using descriptive statistics, weighted mean of each indicator of independent variable was determined. In this stage, influence of all indicators of independent variable on dependent one was verified. Data analysis by descriptive statistics indicates that maximum weight mean in foreign policy of Islamic nations is related to the indicator of peaceful coexistence. According to results of this study, indicator of “peaceful coexistence” with score of 0.677 obtained maximum weight followed by indicators of “constructive interaction” and “détente” with score of 0.556 and 0.555 respectively. Indicator of trust building in this study obtained minimum score of 0.501. it means that peaceful coexistence in foreign policy of Islamic Nations in the region has the highest weight than other indicators of multilateral foreign policy followed by constructive interaction, détente, normalization and trust building.

11. Conclusion

Strategies prepared in priority order

Strategies for Peacefully Resolving the Disputes:

Peacefully resolving the disputes and misunderstandings with countries in Persian Gulf by trust building and promoting the interaction using situation of Islamic nations in the region and presence in the regional organizations and chairing the Islamic nations.

Strategies for Combating with Presence and Penetration of USA:

Combating with presence and penetration of USA in the region by influencing on foreign policy of neighborhood countries and removing the existing excuses using bilateral and multilateral mechanisms

Strategy for Stabilization

Creating and maintaining the stability in the surrounding of the country, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq, by increased cooperation and interaction with other players and multilateral mechanisms by using active diplomacy.

Strategy for Regional Leave

Combating with accompaniment of some countries in the region with trans-regional powers and leaving the region from the hands of and penetration of foreigners by constructive interaction and cooperation in formation the regulation and decisions of organizations and multilateral mechanisms of regions by using experiences in the diplomacy.

Strategy of Neutralizing the Political Pressures

Neutralizing the political pressures against Islamic countries using increased clarity of foreign policy and constructive interaction in terms of regional mechanisms using active and multilateral diplomacy

Strategy for Regional Institutionalization

Establishing new multilateral regional organizations and mechanisms by interaction and influencing on foreign policy of other regional players by applying active bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Strategy for Preventing the Security Making

Preventing the security danger of issues facing Islamic countries by trust making and clarity in the foreign policy by applying active and multilateral diplomacy in the organizations and regional mechanisms

Strategy for Promoting the Regional Legality

Promoting the legality by normalization and continuance of combating with policies of USA and Gov in the region by using the situation of Islamic countries in organizations and multi-facet mechanisms

Strategy for Preventing the Regional Crises

Preventing the struggles and regional struggles by supervision on regional evolutions using the situation of presence in the multilateral regional mechanisms and organizations

Strategy of Collective Trust

Creating and increasing the trust of regional countries to multilateral regional mechanisms and organizations by interacting and coordinating for applying clear and realistic diplomacy

Strategy of Contribution

Promoting the role of organizations and multilateral mechanisms such as Islamic Cooperation Organization, ECO, D8 and NAM by cooperation for preparing the agenda and formation to decisions of organizations and mechanisms by using the situation of presence and chairing on some of them

Strategy of Extensive Interaction

Membership in all organizations and multilateral regional mechanisms in the framework of constitution by trust making and constructive interaction with regional countries using (geopolitical, geo-economics and geo-culture) situation, skilled human resource experiences

Strategy for Increasing the Regional Support

Increased regional supports by interaction and making reciprocal and multilateral dependency by using diplomacy in the organizations and regional mechanisms in the space of Islamic awaking.

References

1. Religious References

• Imam Khamenei, Strategies of Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran (2011), Institute of Islamic Revolution.

2. Persian References

• Abulhasan Shirai, Habiballah and Madjidi, Mohammadreza (2003), Politics and Government in Central Asia, Tehran, Gos Press.

• Amirzadeh, Abbas (2012). Islamic Awaking and New geopolitics of Power in Middle East. Accessible in www.bidari.ir

• Asadian, Amir (2002). Security Policy of USA in Persian Gulf, Tehran, Institute of Strategic Studies.

• Akrami Nia, Mohammad (2004). Foreign Policy of USA against Iraq during George W. Bush, Tehran.

Studies of Central Asia and Caucasia

• Amir Ahmadian, Bahram (2012). Opportunities and Challenges of Iran in Caucasia. Accessible in:

http://www.asnoor.ir/Public/Articles/ViewArticles.aspx?Code=197940

• Bill, James (2002). Politics, Domination: USA and Iran, translated by Abbas Imanpour, Political- Economic Information, No. 175- 176.

• Dehghani Firoozabadi, Seyed Jalal (2008). A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Islamic Azad University Press.

• Dehghai Firoozabadi, Seyed Jalal (2010). Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran, Samt Press.

• Dehghani Firoozabadi (1998). Theory of Neoliberal Intuitionalism and International Cooperation, Journal of Foreign Policy, 12^th year.

• Dehghani Firoozabadi (2003). Necessities of Foreign Policy of National Development in 20 years Vision of Iran, Journal of Political and International Approach, fall and winter.

• Dehghani Firoozabadi, Seyed Jalal and Farazi, Mahdi (2012). Islamic Awaking and National Security of Islamic Republic of Iran, Journal of Islamic Revolution Studies, 9^th year, No. 28, Spring.

• Rezaei et al (2004). Regional Iran. Geographical Organization Press of Ministry of Defense and Support of Armed Forces.

• Shaiei, Nozar (2011). Situation of Islamic Republic of Iran in Promoting the Security Capacities of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Center for Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition, Research 30.

• Shafie, Nozar (2004). Evaluating the Strategies of Foreign Policy of Iran and Afghanistan, Quarterly of Strategic Studies, No. 23.

• Shakouri, Abulfazl (2004). Principles of Foreign Politics of Islam. Tehran, Bita press.

• Shori, Mahmoud (2004). Structures and Security Arrangements in Soviet, in the book of Commonwealth independent countries 1, International Institute of Abrare Moaser, Tehran.

• Kamrava, Mehran (2009), Contemporary Middle East, translated by: Dr. Mohammad Bagher Galibaf and Dr. Seyed Mousa PourMousa, Tehran, Gomes Press.

• Karami, Jihanghir (winter 2008). New Great Game playing in Caucasia and its Security Outcomes for Future of Iran, Journal of Defense Policy, 8^th year, Nos. 1&2.

• Karami, Jihanghir (winter and spring,2007- 2008). Iran and Central Eurasia: Turbulence in Role and Function, Journal of Studies of Central Eurasia, Tehran, Center for International Higher Studies of University, 1^st year, No.1.

• Lik, David E. & Morgan, Patric M. (2002). Regional Disciplines of Securing Building in New World, translated by: Seyed Jalal Dehghani Firoozabadi, Institute of Strategic Studies.

• Madjidi, Manouchehr (2008). Future of International System and Foreign Policy of Iran, Tehran, Ministry of Foreign Affairs press.

• Mohammadi, Manoucher (1987), Principles of Foreign Policy of Iran, Amirkabir Press.

• Mohammadi, Manouchehr (2005), Foreign policy of Iran, Principles and Issues, Tehran, Dadgostar Press.

• Mohammadi Manouchehr & Molana Hamid (2009). Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran in Government of Ahmadi Nejad, Tehran, Dadgostar Press.

• Manouchehri Abbas (2002), Iran Book, Organization for Culture and Islamic Communication, 1^st Ed.

• Authors (2002). Conference of Eshghabad and National Benefits of Islamic Republic of Iran in Caspian Sea, Bulletin of Department of Foreign Policy and International Relations, Center for Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition.

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2007), Geopolitics of Crisis in Central Asia and Caucasia (Foundations and Players), Tehran: Office of Political and International Studies.

• Vaezi, Mahmood (2008), Strategy of Constructive Interaction and Necessities of Development-Oriented Foreign Politics in Development-Oriented Foreign Policy, Center for Strategic Studies.

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2010), Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and Western Powers, Continuance and Change in the fields of Interaction, Research 28, Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition.

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2003), Effects of Global Evolutions after Cold War on Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran, International Journal of Foreign Relations, 3^rd year, No.1.

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2010). Iran and Threats from Instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Crisis Centers in Asia (No. 26). Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition, accessible in:

http://www.csr.ir/departments.aspx?lng=fa&abtid=07&&depid=44&semid=2244

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2011). Beds and Barriers for Cooperation of Foreign Players in Afghanistan, Researching Bulletin of Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition, accessible in:

http://www.csr.ir/Departments.aspx?lng=fa&abtid=07&&depid=44&&semi=2637

• Vaezi, Mahmoud (2011). Evolutionary trend of Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Objectives and Benefits of Founders, Center for Strategic Studies of Assembly for Expediary Recognition, accessible in:

http://www.csr.ir/departments.aspx?lng=fa&abtid=07&&depid=44&semid=2394

• Vahidi, Mosa Al-Reza (2006). Studies of Central Asia and Caucasia- Scientific and Extension Journal.

• Vahidi, Msa Al-Reza (winter,1998). Plan of Russia Federation with White Russia and its Influence on Society Convergence of Commonwealth Countries, Quarterly of Central Asia and Caucasia, No. 24.

3. Foreign References

• Milani, Mohsen,( May 3, 2011), Iran and Saudi, arabia quare off. avalbell at :www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/136409/

• Huntington, Samuel.p, ( 1993), the Clash of civilization, forien Affairs. Vol 33.

• Newsom, David,(1980), United States Policy toward the Gulf, Washington. D.C, Georgetown University. – www.oic-oci.org