24th June, 2013 –
Analysis of Bahraini views towards Iran’s elections
Resulting from concerns about Iranian interference in the region and Iran’s proximity; Iran’s Presidential elections has become a major issue for discussion in Bahrain. Many Bahrainis recognize Hassan Rohani to be a moderate and are therefore optimistic; although others are cynical about the possibility of change. Here are some views expressed by Bahrainis for a survey by Citizens for Bahrain:
“We hope conflicts between Iran & the GCC get resolved”
“Rohani who won the presidential elections is said to be a moderate. This gives a sense of optimism for Iranians and for other citizens in the region. We hope conflicts between Iran and the GCC get resolved since it does not serve the region and Islam as a religion to have this conflict ongoing;” said Mariam Hassan, aged 32, from Manama.
“Rohani seems to be the best of the worst options for Iran, he has the support of the people and I don’t think anyone could be worse than Ahmedinejad. Ahmedinejad was one of the worst and least diplomatic Iranian presidents. The world did not witness such challenges with Iran during Rafsanjani and Khatami’s reign. On the other hand the GCC, in particular built good ties with Iran during the reign of his predecessors and [Ahmedinejad] came to power and ruined the ties,” said Ali Abdulrahman, 36 from Isa Town
“Just another moderate Ayatollah”
“The new Iranian president will certainly have no power, since due to the Iranian system of “democracy” power lies in the hands of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The Supreme Leader is known to be a hardliner who rejects change and imposes his beliefs on the millions of Iranians who have been struggling for more than three decades since their revolution. I do not believe Iran’s situation will change whether internally or externally, due to the resistance of Khamenei and his hardline followers,” said Abdullah, 40 from Riffa.
“We respect the aspirations of the people of Iran as they have been struggling with this radical regime, but Rohani is just another moderate Ayatollah. Since when are democracies run by men of religion? This defies the concept of democracy and no matter how hard the new president tries to move the country forward he will end up failing” said Khalid Faisal 28 from Muharraq
“Facing Challenges”
“I think it’s unfair the way that Iran gets blamed for everything. For example; Iran is attacked for sending help to Syria, while the US, Israel and Qatar are arming terrorists. I hope that President Rohani can show the world that Iran doesn’t deserve to face sanctions and threats. He should build better relations with the Muslim world, but not stop confronting America and Israel.” Zainab Ebrahim 34 from Manama
“Iran is facing major economic and political challenges that cannot be solved by one man. People expect Rohani to succeed in solving the issue of unemployment and the daily human rights violations, this would be very difficult for the new president. He can only create change through partnership with the Supreme Leader and if he does not do that then he will not be able to attain anything and will end up being another moderate face to a radical system just like former Iranian President Khatami” said Salman Ahmed 31 from Budaiya
“Fake democracy”
“Iran has a fake democracy and the elections were certainly fake. The whole world knows that the new president will not solve any issues and Iran’s support for Syria will not come to end and the same goes to its meddling in GCC affairs especially Bahrain, we wish for a true diplomat leading Iran but this seems to be a dream that wont come true anytime soon;” said Samar Habib, 28 from Sanad.
“Iran is a main power in the region, the new President needs to stop supporting the Syrian regime and should start changing the image of his country. Majority of people across the world view Iran as a radical country that supports terrorism and now supports the brutal regime of Bashar Al Assad. Rohani is expected to change this image and benefit his people and his country’s economy. The value of the Iranian riyals have drastically dropped, the inflation rate is very high in the country and hence people just want a better living at this point, regardless of the basic freedoms they are being deprived of” said Fatima Abbas 32 from Saar
Citizens for Bahrain hopes that the new Iranian administration works closely with the GCC in building stronger ties and finding areas of cooperation that can benefit both sides. We hope that President Rohani meets the aspirations of Iranians and provides them with more freedoms while also enhancing the economic status of Iran. We also hope that the new president starts by adding value to the region and not by taking any steps that damage the situation further.