Free Republic

The emergence of the cleric Hassan Rouhani, following the recent presidential elections in Iran, seemingly ticked all of the boxes. The Western media crowed that this new “moderate” president would be open to dialogue on stopping the nuclear program and would be a harbinger of positive change for the oppressed masses in Iran, improving basic human rights, freedom of speech, freeing all political prisoners and halting public executions. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. Public executions, which were temporarily halted during the presidential elections, have begun again with a vengeance. More than 75 prisoners, including six women, have...

Iran’s newly elected president showcased his reform-leaning image Monday by promising a “path of moderation” that includes greater openness on Tehran’s nuclear program and overtures to Washington. He also made clear where he draws the line: No halt to uranium enrichment and no direct U.S. dialogue without a pledge to stay out of Iranian affairs. Hasan Rowhani’s first post-victory news conference was a study in what may make his presidency tick. Rowhani may be hailed as a force for change, but he also appears to carry a deep and self-protective streak of pragmatism. He knows he can only push his...