To Iranians, 2016 election is not a choice of lesser of two evils
For almost four decades, the relationship with the United States has been Islamic Republic of Iran’s top foreign policy priority. Both countries have experienced political power shifts in recent years. The destiny of the two countries is so intermingled that some Iranians believe they should have a voice in deciding who sits in the White House.
Many Iranians have been following the 2016 election in recent months and could sometimes identify with Americans having to settle for a “lesser of two evils,” a reminder of their own 2013 election. They have also been making comparisons with Iran’s election in 2009, as reflected in the following tweets:
But, to understand better how Iranians feel about today’s election, let’s review their experience since the Islamic revolution of 1979. They lived through eight years of war with Iraq. They have suffered from international sanctions for many years, because of the country’s nuclear program. Thanks to the sanctions, thousands have lost jobs. They have suffered an inflation rate of 40 percent.
Three years ago, Iranians voted for a moderate president, hoping he could improve the country’s international status and end the sanctions. President Hassan Rouhani negotiated a nuclear deal with the United States, Russia, France, Germany, Britain and China. It brought hope to the country. But, now, that hope is threatened by today’s election.
It is no longer a matter of the lesser of two evils to Iranians. Whoever wins could potentially harm US-Iranian relations.
Iranian have more reasons than Americans to dislike Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. Neither is a friend of Iran.
Clinton recognizes and supports the nuclear deal with Iran, but says she would take an approach of “distrust and verify”. To Iranian hardliner politicians and to ordinary people, this statement translates as a continuing threat to the nuclear settlement. The historical distrust between the two countries could provide Clinton with a reason to end the deal whenever she feels like it.
Considering the current chaotic condition of the Middle East, this is a conspicuous risk to Iranians.
On the other hand, Trump has said that his “number one priority” would be to “dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran.” That would be as disastrous as it sounds, wiping out years of difficult negotiations. There is also a fear that if he is elected, sooner or later extremists will come to power in Iran, too.
We will know soon enough what Iranians will have to worry about.