The deal Iran and the P5+1 countries reached in Vienna is still a hot topic around the world, and especially in Iran. From the issue of safety to the future of human rights or the economy, commentators, experts and politicians have all had something to say. But what does the Iranian public think? Will the nuclear deal improve the human rights situation, and will ordinary citizens feel the impact of a healthier economy?
Since the nuclear agreement was signed on July 13, Iran’s reformist media has been busy discussing the opening up of political and civil liberties, and the solution to ongoing controversial problems, such as putting an end to the house arrests of the Green Movement leaders. Anger has been fierce among Iran’s hardliner media outlets, with many accusing more moderate websites and publications of exploiting the situation and inciting chaos.
IranWire asked its Persian readers to comment on the nuclear deal and its impact. Seventy-five percent of those polled expressed doubt that the deal would result in real change for the majority of Iran’s citizens.
Some members of the public believe that Iran could become the next Saudi Arabia: able to get away with violating human rights without objection from Western countries. Others say that because the government will not want to tar its new-found image, it will become more responsible and observe human rights more faithfully.
There were similarly divided views when it came to Iran’s economy. Some believed that the Vienna agreement will give Iranians the opportunity to participate more fully in the global economy, and that it will boost foreign investment and economic security. Others argued that financial corruption and government inefficiencies would continue forestall any significant impact on people’s lives.
Those who took part in the survey were asked their response to the following statements.
1. The nuclear agreement will boost economic and political stability in Iran. Authorities will no longer treat politics and social issues as threats to national security.
20 percent of those surveyed agreed with this statement.
2. The economy might improve. But because world powers have secured a satisfactory deal, they will ignore human rights abuses in Iran.
33.0 percent agreed with this statement.
3. The nuclear agreement will not lead to any important or meaningful change in the economy, or to improvements in Iran’s political and civil liberties.
41.7 percent polled agreed with this statement.
Combining options two and three shows that 75.6 percent of those polled believe that there will be no meaningful improvement in political and civil liberties following implementation of the agreement.
4. None of the Above. Please comment.
4.3 percent
A number of respondents defended the nuclear deal and what it would achieve, though they adopted a realistic attitude to how this would translate into change in society.
“Everything will not suddenly just become cheaper tomorrow. Nor will the unemployed suddenly find employment. This is not a fairy tale; it is a complex society. The lifting of sanctions will play an important role in improving the economy. The simple fact that letters of insurance will be issued, planes can be purchased, banks will operate and international relations will improve means [the accord] will have long-term effects.”
But others did not believe that such changes would be enough.
“Perhaps there will be some political shifts, but reforms that should take five years under normal conditions will take 50 years under the Republic of Mullahs — and even then, only after a lot of suffering and unhappiness.”
Others compared Iran with Saudi Arabia.
“You can find your answer by looking at the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, which has relations with the whole world.”
But others had a different take:
“Saudi Arabia has normal relations with all the countries in the world. In Saudi Arabia nobody chants slogans against other countries and it has never threatened another country with annihilation. When it comes to attracting investments, controlling inflation and economic development, it is much more successful than countries like the Islamic Republic. It is a shareholder in American petroleum distilleries and oil companies. This does not mean that Saudi Arabia is a democracy, but at least it has been successful in its international relations.”
Related articles:
Nuclear Agreement & Economy Survey
IranWire Readers Hopeful For Nuclear Deal
What the People Say: Iran and the Nuclear Deal
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