DUSHANBE, February 1, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Known Tajik religious leader Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda has expressed concern that it may be chain reaction in Muslim nations following Tunisia/Egypt unrest.

In an interview with Asia-Plus, Turajonzoda noted that political crisis in Egypt has resulted from infringement of civil rights, lack of freedom of speech and lack of political and religious freedoms, serious economic problems aggravated by deep-rooted corruption and the country’s external debt that has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars to date.

He, however, considers that the main reason for the latest developments in Egypt is the authoritarian regime and the misery of the people in the country.  “Patience of the Egyptian people wore thin,” Turajonzoda said.

He expressed concern that if civil unrest continues in Egypt, it may be chain reaction in other Muslim nations.

“I do not believe that the situation in Egypt will come to normal in the near future.  Many regimes will fall in Middle East and this is not in interest of the United States, Israel and their Western allies.  However, bloody events cannot be ruled out.  Probably, they will let people blow off steam and in a couple of weeks special services will organize provocations and force will be used.”

Peaceful transition of power would be in interest of all, Turajonzoda said.