“There are many here like me, who don’t care for the Islamic Republic and its rules,” he said. I choose for my country.”Iran’s hard-liners are savoring the reversal in their fortunes, after losing influence in the Obama years. It was the first glimmer of hope for Iran’s urban middle classes since the brutal crackdown on street protests following the 2009 presidential election, widely seen as rigged. Then came the Trump administration, and its singular focus on Iran as the source, as the defense secretary, Jim Mattis, has said on numerous occasions, of all the troubles in the Middle East. Iran’s leaders have begun promoting patriotic causes, recognizing in the changing mood a chance to reinforce their credibility, which had been flagging.

Source: New York Times November 26, 2017 19:52 UTC