Iranian Inauguration Sparks Hope

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ignited hope in his people after declaring in his inauguration speech, that as well as tackling the failing economy, the government will be less involved in the daily lives of the people and granting more rights to women. Replacing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June after a landslide victory, the cleric's moderate stance has been welcomed by the Iranian people and Western political powers alike. 

 Rouhani's inauguration is the first swearing in that foreign dignitaries were invited to attend since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. That Western diplomats were even invited to attend the event shows the previously controversial Middle Eastern country is taking positive steps in foreign relations.

Later in his speech, Rouhani directly addressed Western nations, as the cleric advised “If you want an adequate response, you shouldn't speak the language of sanctions, you should speak the language of respect". A reference to the sanctions imposed on Iran over the development their nuclear weapons programme. This is a bit harsh perhaps, considering his more radical predecessor was intent on riling the Western powers as much as possible. However, in light of the rest of his speech as well as having foreign dignitaries present, these potentially inflammatory words appear to be Rouhani is simply displaying a resolute stance; that whilst Iran is keen to improve relations, it will not be a push over to the Western world.

If the new president sticks to his word, delivering change across the social and political spectrum as well as reaching an agreement on Iran's controversial nuclear programme, there is no reason why a mutually beneficial relationship with the West cannot be reached. Considering the ongoing problems in Syria and the ever escalating tension in Egypt, this olive branch is likely to be accepted with gusto by those hoping for an ease in tensions with the Middle East. Most importantly, we have to hope these promises of change are fulfilled, or at least put into action, and not simply lip service to the West.

With vast unemployment, a struggling economy, broken  international relations and an archaic attitude towards women to change, it's fair to say Rouhani has his work cut out for him. Hopefully it won't be a case of promising too much and delivering little (like Obama) and this will be the dawn of a new age in Iran.

Lora