Does Rouhani's Style of Diplomacy Mean Change in Iranian Policy?
The United States should take signals from Iran seriously.
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.
President Rouhani’s address to the UN General Assembly next week will inevitably affirm the content of Iranian policies, in a manner that will be looked at for portents for a serious and consequential dialogue.
Of course, Israel, with its current leadership, will try to portray the new and rational discourse of President Rouhani as a move to block Israel’s thrust toward continued belligerency.
