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U.S. expert: Iran has no influence on protests in Arab world

16 March 2011 [12:07] - TODAY.AZ
Middle East Policy Council in Washington Senior Fellow Mark Katz  said Iran has no influence on the democratic uprisings in the Arab world.

"Indeed, Iran is vulnerable to the possibility of such an uprising itself," Katz told Trend.

Massive protests have swarmed the Arab world.

Large-scale protests have resumed recently in three cities in Yemen, including the capital Sana'a, RIA Novosti reported.

Massive protests have been observed in the Middle East and North Africa for several months. The rallies led to the downfall of the ruling regimes in Egypt and Tunisia. Anti-government demonstrations were also held in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Libya and Morocco.

Katz said Iran's influence on the Middle East is highly exaggerated.

Iran’s support for radical Shiite Islamist groups could not help Islamists come to power in these countries.

"I do not think Iran can influence the rise of those or other forces. It must be remembered that most Arabs feel nothing but contempt for Iran, and regard Persians as their primordial enemy," Katz said.

There is a danger of civil war in some countries that have faced protest actions, he said.

"But I think it is more likely that either the democratic opposition will come to power or the regimes will succeed in crushing them," Katz added.


/Trend/
URL: http://www.today.az/news/regions/82723.html

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