NEW YORK TIMES: As Iranians responded to the victory of the cleric Hassan Rowhani in the country’s presidential race over the weekend by erupting into street parties not seen in many years, it almost seemed as if some sort of reformist revolution could be under way.
Across the country, drivers honked horns, men danced to pop music and women clapped, celebrating Mr. Rowhani’s campaign pledges to bring more freedom and better relations with the outside world.
But Mr. Rowhani, 64, is no renegade reformist, voted in while Iran’s leaders were not paying attention. Instead, his political life has been spent at the center of Iran’s conservative establishment, from well before Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the Islamic Revolution in the 1970s. And analysts say that Mr. Rowhani’s first priority will be mediating the disturbed relationship between that leadership and Iran’s citizens, not carrying out major change… (more)
EDITOR: NewsLanc has been privileged to receive reports from inside Iran over the past year. Nothing that occurred in its election should come as a surprise to our readers. It is clear that the population is suffering from the U. N. imposed sanctions and desires reconciliation with the West, even if it means giving up nuclear weapons. It is the Revolutionary Guard that wields great influence in Iran and is the main obstacle to resolution of differences.
