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Does Rouhani's Style of Diplomacy Mean Change in Iranian Policy?

The United States should take signals from Iran seriously.
Iranian President-elect Hassan Rohani gestures to the media during a news conference in Tehran June 17, 2013. REUTERS/Fars News/Majid Hagdost  (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS PROFILE) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR  EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTX10QWD

In the aftermath of the election of Hassan Rouhani as president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, an important new approach in domestic and foreign policy in Iran is anticipated.

While the obvious change is in style, that alone might be insufficient in signaling a change in policy, domestic or international. In the case of Rouhani’s presidency, however, significant changes promise to take place, so this should not be treated as a possible eventual reversal.

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