28 Mar 2024
Tuesday 25 June 2013 - 14:41
Story Code : 34762

Iranian youth hedge hopes on Rouhani

TEHRAN Iransnew President-elect Hassan Rouhani isnt, in fact, a magician. The man who, during the presidential debates, raised a key, saying, "Its the key for all the closed doors in Iran," gave Iranian youths hope that they are heading toward a better future. At least, this is what some of them think.
More than third ofthose who votedin this election were between 18 and 30, most of them highly concerned about their future. I always dream of migrating to the UK or the US, even Dubai is a dream, I want to live a better life, said Mehtab, a girl I met in Tehrans rich Farmaniyeh neighborhood. Mehtab is a university student; she loves music, sports and fashion. I voted for Rouhani, though he is a cleric, because I thought he might change something in this country, she said.

I asked her what kind of change she wanted. Well, we want a better economy, she said. "I want to find a decent job when I graduate, I want to feel like any other citizen of this world, without worrying a war might kill me soon. Mehtab told me about her father, Jawad, who voted for Tehran MayorMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. My dad thinks Ghalibaf could solve all our problems because he was successful as mayor and he is close to the supreme leader and this means no hurdles would be put in his path.

In the streets of Tehran, there are no more signs of the election, despite its having taken place 10 days ago. Inside a coffee shop on the famousValiasr Street, I met Hamid, Qambeez and Reza, three young Iranians who agree on some things and disagree about others.

Hamid, who voted for Rouhani, and in 2009 voted for Mir Hossein Mousavi, said, We found our votes that disappeared in 2009; Rouhanis victory showed us, and indeed the whole world, that the people of Iran are capable of change.

What kind of change was he looking for? I asked Hamid. Most of the Iranians are concerned because of the economy," he replied. "Ahmadinejad on one side and the sanctions on another had a negative impact on the currency, prices and our ambitions.

Qambeez didnt vote: Why should I vote? Do you think this will change anything? Who is Hassan Rouhani? He didnt come from Mars; he is an essential part of this regime, so why should I vote? I tried to get more from him. I asked him what kind of change he is looking for. Im not saying we are living the worst life ever, at least we can vote, something many neighboring countries dont even dare to dream of," Qambeez said. "We need more freedom, a better economy, better relations with the West, faster Internet, less censorship. We need a lot of things, and Im sure Rouhani cant bring them.

Reza voted forSaeed Jalili. He thinks Jalili was the best candidate, calling him wise, truthful and transparent: Jalili lost his leg in the war with Iraq, the man sacrificed for my sake when he was only a soldier; for sure, I wish he'd won, Reza said. He said he respects Rouhani: He is the student of Imam Khomeini. He was with him in his exile inNeauphle-le-Chteauin France. He was a strong negotiator. And I hope hell take Iran to a better future. Reza seemed to be content with life in Iran, but when I asked him if there were anything he wished Rouhani could fulfill, he replied, As for the economy, sure, I wish things would change. We all want a better country and more money; also I hope he will stand up for our nuclear rights. We dont want to give up the achievements of the outgoing government.

Rouhanis miracles might not be enough to fulfill the dreams of his fellow Iranians. Stakes are high; though some dreams might not need a miracle to fulfill, they need confidence: A good example was the quick surge in the Iranian currency. In a week's time, the Iranian rial gained almost 15% against the dollar.

By Al-Monitor

 

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