Iran- Afghanistan: The Rail Link and Regional Cooperation

This article undertakes to study the rail transit link between Iran and Afghanistan, drawing on an international political economy approach as well as on a method called "international affairs engineering." In light of the reconstruction of East–West corridor between Iran, Afghanistan and other neighboring countries, the aim of the article is to explore the ways and means for enhancing Iran’s capacities at the international level through promotion of regional and international cooperation. The East-West corridor is being reconstructed along the ancient route that had been constructed by Iran and been in operation between 500 B. C. and 1500 A. D. The route, along with its north-south tributaries, had become the most trafficked route, but fell into decay as of early 16th century. The revival of this ancient land corridor, through the financial contributions of both public and private sectors, can help Iran and other interested countries to expand and develop their infrastructures and enhance their economic and commercial exchanges and cooperation, which would also contribute to their interactions with the bigger region and ultimately, the global system.