Today Hassan Rouhani has replaced Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as
president of Iran. Like many within the country, I think the key players in the
international community should see the new leader as an opportunity for
constructive re-engagement with Iran. The approach to be followed has to be
gradual, of course, and implemented by the Six-Party powers in a very well
co-ordinated manner.
Rouhani’s two main concerns are clear to me: to put a stop
to the serious economic decline Ahmadinejad’s policies have generated; and to improve
the country’s relations with the key international players.
If we in the West are
aware of these imperatives he is confronted with and play along, we might
achieve some degree of success.
It is in our interest to see a turnaround in the economy of Iran
and have a leadership in Tehran that understands that international cooperation
is the best option for them and for the region.
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