Here is some text from France, Le Monde Diplomatique:
"By signing, together with the French, German and British foreign ministers, an agreement under which Tehran undertakes to respect international nuclear rules, Hassan Rouhani, head of the supreme national security council, breached for the first time the wall of fear that paralysed decision-making within Iran's theocracy (6). Instead of taking refuge behind the anti-Israeli and anti-US cant that hid a huge political vacuum, the Islamic government has understood the changes at international and national level. It has agreed, with no possibility of turning back, to enter into a partnership and abandon a policy of separation and clandestine action. The measures to introduce transparency that Iran has taken in an area as sensitive as nuclear weapons still have to be supplemented and confirmed to restore confidence and facilitate alliances, but the decision of principle has been taken.
The agreement in the nuclear field, in which France played a key role, is also revolutionary for Europe. For the first time in 50 years it has seized the initiative from the US and proved that its method is effective. While applying pressure and occasionally threats, Europe proposed a positive outcome that met Iran?s needs and legitimate expectations: access to modern technologies and a role in regional security.
Whereas 25 years of US ostracism had had no effect in Iran, the European initiative promising an immediate outcome meant that it was possible both to provide security guarantees to the international community and to condemn the erring ways of revolutionary Iran.
Renault's decision to create a car plant, at a cost of $891,469,215, intended to replace the famous Peykan, which has been in production for more than 40 years, confirms Iran?s stability and its lack of major political or economic risks. That investment shows that Iran is no longer considered at risk of turmoil because of some new revolution that would block its development. Like Total, when it breached the US oil embargo in 1995, Renault has understood the real implications of Iran's awakening. Other companies are following.
For now, developments in Iran continue to be marked by conflict and even tragedy. Through the (unelected) Council of Guardians, the theocracy in power continues to undermine the electoral process: it is disqualifying the opposition even before the elections and refusing to adopt legislation. But the situation is no longer that of the 1990s, since external and internal forces now form an indivisible whole. That has not prevented some Iranian conservatives and technocrats from hoping for a system on the Chinese or Saudi model, open to technology but closed to ideas. Nor has it prevented US neo-conservatives from demanding radical regime change.
But both these groups have failed to appreciate the extent to which Iran has evolved over the past 25 years. Through nationalism, Islam and knowledge, Iran has become used to independence and Iranian society used to freedom of expression, preceding freedom of action."
Source:
http://mondediplo.com/2004/02/02iran Comment: A lot of crap from the frogs.