Growing impatience with the Rouhani administration

While many of the individuals interviewed expressed at least some degree of acceptance of the oft-circulated argument that political and social reforms must wait for a settlement of the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program, there was a palpable sense of dwindling patience with this line of reasoning.

Download the report here.

Indeed, the respondents’ views in this study honed closely to a recent poll conducted in Iran that showed support for Rouhani has dropped from 58% this past winter to 48% at present, and that disapproval had inched up four points since February 2015 from 29% to 33%.

Whether lame or legitimate, I hope that after a nuclear agreement there are no more excuses after it, and that it would be possible to expect, to demand things.

— A Playwright, Theater Director, and Publisher in Tehran

During the two years the Rouhani government has been in power, its actions have not been proportional to the campaign promises.

–Mohammad Saleh Nikbakht, Lawyer

Mr. Rouhani’s administration is not very [focused on] political [issues], and it is a lot softer than it should be. He should act with more courage. First of all, he must put the law on top of his list, and to confront lawlessness. He must seek rights for all and end nepotism. I expect observation of the law.

–Lili Golestan, Writer and Publisher