Rohani’s Slogan: Moderation, Wisdom, Détente

“The Americans have, several times and also recently, proposed bilateral negotiations with Iran, hence, if Mr. Rohani accepts this proposal, he can prepare the atmosphere for balancing the positions of both sides.”

“Mr. Rohani won the election with the slogan of moderation, wisdom, and détente. In my opinion, in order for his government to strengthen its position in the field of foreign policy practically and psychologically, he must first pursue the issue of political and ideological prisoners and prisoners of the press and in practice move in the direction of moderate policies.”

“This new atmosphere which is created by Iran’s motivation for détente and goodwill will force the other party, through public opinion, to take a more moderate step even against the will of those who demand harsh measures.”

“There is a principle in politics called the ‘separation of issues’, which means that every issue has its own logic and all problems cannot be solved in the same way.”

“Therefore, if measures are taken in areas where a more favorable atmosphere to create understanding exists, then this will have a relative domino effect on other matters as well.”

“Hence, if Mr. Rohani takes the measures that I mentioned before in the domestic affairs, and if he accepts bilateral negotiations with the US and if an understanding is reached, then this can impact other issues. Otherwise, one cannot expect the nuclear issue, the issue of Syria, the human rights issue, and other issues to all be solved simultaneously.”

“Therefore, measures should be taken on issues in which it is easier to reach an understanding. When an understanding is reached on that issue, then the atmosphere would automatically be more favorable for solving other issues.”

“The issue of Syria depends to a great extent on the events that will happen in the near future. Nevertheless, on some issues, mere moderate statements can balance the situation.”

“I believe that since Mr. Rohani enjoys popular support and has gained a high number of votes, and since the 8-year rule of the Principalists has increased the concerns of the people and the world, the new trend necessitates a move in the direction of solving problems, which is what the public demands.”

“Therefore, wisdom, today’s demands, and people’s reactions have all joined hands in asking for moderation and the relative resolution of problems. Due to their own special problems, the foreign countries will also be able to act more freely in the eyes of public opinion if the new atmosphere in Iran gets the chance to be reflected in other parts of the world.”