War in Iraq May Affect Political and Economic Situation in Tajikistan - 26 March, 2003

The war in Iraq may affect the political and economic situation in Tajikistan, Deputy Head of the Information and Analytical Department of Tajikistan's Presidential Administration Suhrob Sharipov said in an interview with the Asia Plus news agency. Military action in Iraq may stir radical Islamic groups in Afghanistan which, in their turn, may affect Tajikistan's security, Sharipov supposes.

Besides, the official did not rule out the possibility of an outbreak of pan-Islamist mood in Tajikistan which can also "shake psychological stability" in the republic.

Economic consequences of the Iraqi conflict on Tajikistan depend on the duration of the war, Sharipov believes. If the campaign drags on, oil prices may soar and aggravate the process of social and economic stability in the region," the representative of the Presidential Administration noted.