Obama: An ‘opportunity and a test’ for Iran
By Ali Arouzi, NBC News Producer
TEHRAN, Iran – "When I saw the election results this morning on TV I was very jealous of America," said an Iranian student in Tehran, Darius Dashdi.
"I was jealous of their democratic system and the opportunity that is afforded to each and every citizen regardless of color or religion. I wish we had the same type of opportunities here," he said.
Despite Dashdi’s optimistic view of the United States’ election of Barack Obama, the Democratic winner has largely been viewed here as the lesser of two evils.
Early on Wednesday, prominent Iranian MP Hamid Reza Haji Babai said the Democrat’s victory presented an "opportunity and a test," with Iran now "waiting for that change" that Obama based his campaign on.
"In the past eight years, (President George W.) Bush had created a bad atmosphere against the United States in the world with his militarism and this financial crisis," said Haji Babai.
"The election of McCain would have worsened this atmosphere," he said.
Back on the streets of Tehran, housewife Roya Amini said "Obama seems like he is different, but you never know with America what they might do."
‘This will weaken radicals in Iran’
Meantime, some are hoping to close a chapter in the hostile history between Tehran and Washington and open a new one based on discussions rather than threats.
""If Obama delivers his promises (about opening dialogue with Iran), this will weaken radicals in Iran and no-one will buy the radical and extremist slogans anymore," said political analyst Saeed Laylaz, referring to the frequent anti-American remarks of outspoken President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The nuclear stand-off could also be resolved through dialogue he said, as "that will bring security."
However, some saw Obama’s election as a threat rather than a chance for improved relations.
"I think Obama becoming president is dangerous for Iran because I think the Israelis think that he is too soft on Iran and therefore they may take matters into their own hands and attack us," said student Majid Kordi.
"This will be very bad because I am sure a huge war will erupt in the region."
What next?
There are many schools of thought on what will happen next, or what should happen next between the United States and Iran. Some people think that the hard-line faction here will not let relations’ blossom because hatred of America is a key component of its ideology.
Just last week, the highest power in the country, Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that the country's hatred for the United States runs deep and differences between the two nations go back fifty years and reach beyond a "few political issues."
Khamenei's comments on state-run television less than a week before the presidential vote appeared to be a signal that the government was unwilling to try to improve ties no matter who won in the United States.
Comments from some citizens showed great suspicions about the international community and highlighted the hatred the Iranian leader spoke of.
"There are bigger powers at work than Obama who want to hurt Iran, who don't want to see an independent and successful Iran, but Iran will prevail over our great enemies in America and Israel," said construction worker Ahmad Negabani.
Whichever way the delicate balance here shifts and whether the reformist or the hard-liners are in power, Iran is unlikely to respond well to pressure as has been demonstrated in the past. However, critics argue that although Iran does not respond well to pressure, it should be given free reign to do whatever it wants.
"We have to see what happens next," said Maryam Fazili, a teacher.
"Both countries have hurt one another badly over the course of history and you do not forget these things easily," she said.
"We need a lot of compromise from both sides, something I don’t think we are going to see."
