Iran Inaugurates President Hassan Rohani

by Stephen Lendman

On June 14, Iranians elected Rohani decisively. He won a clear first round majority. He'll serve four years. He's head of state.

Obama failed to congratulate him. He hasn't recognized his legitimacy. He's a longtime distinguished leader. He's held numerous high level positions.

He combines diplomacy, politics and scholarship. He's called the "Diplomat Sheikh." He's written many books, articles and research papers.

He urges peace and reconciliation. He promises "government of hope and prudence." He pledged "constructive interaction with the world."

He faces enormous challenges. US/Israeli imperialism matters most. It's lawless. It's belligerent. It's destructive. It's unrelenting.

It targets independent governments. It wants satraps replacing responsible leaders. It wants subservient pro-Western states in place of sovereign ones.

On August 3, The New York Times headlined "Iran's President Puts New Focus on the Economy," saying:

On Saturday, Rohani vowed "to work with the outside world to lift 'oppressive sanctions…' " They're illegal. They harm ordinary Iranians most.

"People called for change and improvement in their living standards. They want to live better," said Rohani.

The Washington Post headlined "Iran's new president takes oath of office, asks West to abandon 'language of sanctions.' "

He hopes to ease economic pressure on his people. He asked foreign leaders to respect Iran responsibly. Negotiate fairly, he stressed, saying:

"If you seek a suitable answer, speak to Iran through the language of respect, not through the language of sanctions."