This paper seeks to examine the current developments in the Middle East and particularly the challenges ahead of the region in attaining sustainable development in the near future. The elitist theory is adopted as the conceptual framework for the research, since in the absence of institutionalization, the attitudes and behavior of power-holders serve as valid guides for political change. Then the author addresses the place of the Middle East among the other developing regions of the world and studies the reasons why this region is exceptional due to its backwardness from the world dominant trends in the economic and political fields. The author indicates that the post-September 11th events posed serious problems for U.S. dominance in the region, leading to the start of its role-playing in the region. This, in turn, would provide chances for Iran to play a more significant role in regional equations.

Abstract: Caspian Sea with the surface of 371,000 square Kilometers as the largest lake of the world has the most precious reserves of fishes and provides 80./. of world's caviar. Caspian Sea is undergoing a special ecologic situation in less than 12-14 years, the number of matured fishes and caviar production will become zero. The convention for Caspian Sea environment (Tehran Convention), with the purpose of protecting this lake from pollution and reviving it's environment, under observation and with participation of the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP) and in the charter of the Caspian Sea Environment Program, after 8 years negotiating, has been signed on November 2003. The main question of this article is: "What is the role of the convention in improvement of the situation of living reserves of the lake?" The author is trying to study the ecological situation of the Caspian Sea and the effect that this convention can have on the situation of these resources. Keywords: Caspian Sea, Caviar fish, Caviar, Tehran Convention, Caspian Environment Program.

Abstract: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the geopolitical changes in the region, which caused emergence of four new states, the outlook to the Caspian Sea and it's issues have changed. Dealing with numerouse oil contracts with multinational companies and the entrance of transnational states and organizations, aggrevated the political and economic competitions and increased the complexity of the situation of this region and emergence of new economic, political and legal challenges. Different position of the coastal countries, different ideas about the legal regime of the Caspian Sea and the rights and responsibilities of these countries propounded new questions and concerns about the legal regime of the Caspian Sea and it's future in different (national, regional and transregional) levels.This article deals with Caspian Sea's case from Iranian point of view. Keywords: Caspian Sea , Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Georgia, U.S.A., Oil

The disintegration of the Soviet Union led to a new condition, which with intervene of foreign players, became a very complicated situation. This trend created a “New Great Game” around Caspian Sea Basin that reminds imperialistic rivalries of Britain and Russia in late decades of 19th century. Increasing demands of industrial countries has caused the rapid attention to this region. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan have arranged huge efforts in this respect, in order to gain more revenue from oil in world. The author has tried to explain the geopolitical dimensions of energy transition around Caspian Sea, with respect to the Goals and rivalries of regional and international players in this region. Keywords: Caucasus, Energy, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, U.S.A

Explaining the interaction between Iran and Central Eurasia and discussing its role and function, The author have tried to examine the problem which Islamic Republic of Iran is faced, and some solutions that are put forward for them to enhance this role and reinforce national interests. In fact, the article is in some way a kind of introduction which looks, critically, at the main factors of marginalization of Iran in his relation to this region, compared to the roles played by others in the same region. The self-defined role of Iran in the region is in contrast to the role it has played in other regions and issues, so it has been faced with significant obstacles from within and without, remaining marginalized in the main game. Keywords: Central Eurasia, Iran, Regional Power, The Future Outlook Document.

Ismailieh is a big branch of Shi'a religion. It has a long local history in the Central Asia. Despite the relatively, few numbers of it's followers, because of the good solidarity of the community and their relationship with their Imam, who as the leader of the religion, is living in Europe , should be considered as an important community. Their Imam, Prince Karim Aga khan IV particularly for his global fame and mythical wealth, is an important figure. He, in addition to having good knowledge of the Western culture is interested in affairs of his followers, especially in Europe, and through transnational networks, manages and controls the Ismailia community. This article is to introduce the Ismailias of the Central Asia through the places they live in, their livelihood, population, ethnicity, language, historic backgrounds, beliefs and their situation in the region. Keywords: Ismailieh, Badakhshan, Pamir, Central Asia, Aga Khan

Before the death of Saparmurat Niyazov, many international observers were concerned about the future of Turkmenistan after announcement of his death. Most observers believed that because of the way of his governance and in the absence of appropriate mechanisms for peaceful shift of power, this process will not be peaceful and the country will face some disturbance. But, what happened in reality, despite the amendment of Turkmenistan's constitution, had no sign of violence.Therefore; it seems that the process of the shift of power in Turkmenistan is a peaceful and calm process. In this article we will discuss the reasons which led to this situation. Key word: Turkman, Turkmenistan, Turkmenbashi, Saparmurat Niyazov, Positive neutrality.

This Article covers the role of Iran in energy market of Central Asia. The writers consider Islamic Republic of Iran in the gas and petrol area, and try to recognize the obstacles and threats for Iran in energy market of Central Asia, such as presence of U.S as an international player and Russia as an important regional player. By focusing on the relations between Central Asia countries in two mentioned levels, this article illustrates to chances and suitable treatments for Iran to perform an active role in the profitable Central Asia market. Each of two mentioned countries tries to control energy in a special framework. U.S. Tries to maximize its own position to control the circle of transitional energy and the price of it. But Russia has a productive outlook in the global market. Key words: Iran, Central Asia, Energy Market, United States, Russia.

unavailable