IRAN UNDER ROUHANI:

IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. POLICY

Colonel Dino Pick gave one of the most insightful and riveting talks to our National Security Forum last Friday, entitled, “Iran Under Rouhani: Implications of the Election of the new Iranian President for U.S. Policy Toward Iran”.

The election of a relative moderate to succeed Ahmadinejad as President of Iran has created a torrent of advice for American and Western policy makers. Does Rouhani’s impressive victory signify that Iran may demonstrate more flexibility on the nuclear weapons issue and on supporting global terrorism? Or will this veteran of Tehran’s political establishment serve only as eye wash for a regime dominated by the Mullahs and the Military, one that won’t adopt any significant policy changes?

COL Pick noted that US-Iranian relations are at a crossroads. Some experts believe that the election of Rouhani will bring fundamental change within Iran and consequently with respect to its foreign relations. Certainly what we have seen come out of the President’s office recently is encouraging. At the same time, we know that the power of the ruling Mullahs, along with the military and the Revolutionary Guards, remains very entrenched. Should the US and the West seek a secret channel with Rouhani? Should the US/West be prepared to relax sanctions in exchange for tangible changes in Iranian nuclear and domestic policies?

COL Pick’s presentation is attached. I am sure you will find it both insightful and informative.

Ty

Click here:  Colonel Pick on Iran Under Rouhani