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Saudi Arabia woos Persian-speaking Sunnis in Central Asia

A deterioration in economic and political relations between Tehran and Dushanbe since moderate Hassan Rouhani first took office has allowed Saudi Arabia to expand its influence in Tajikistan at Iran’s expense.

Men pray during Kurban-Ait, also known as Eid al-Adha in Arabic, at a mosque in the village of Nurabad, some 40 km (25 miles) west of the capital Dushanbe, November 16, 2010. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, marking the end of the haj, by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command.  REUTERS/Nozim Kalandarov  (TAJIKISTAN - Tags: RELIGION) - RTXUOWO
Men pray during Kurban Ait, known as Eid al-Adha in Arabic, at a mosque in the village of Nurabad, Tajikistan, Nov. 16, 2010. — REUTERS/Nozim Kalandarov

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