Popular movements in the Middle East encouraged Khamenei to adopt a more flexible approach.


Ali M Ansari is Professor of Iranian History and Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews; Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute; Vice President of the British Institute for Persian Studies.
Popular movements in the Middle East encouraged Khamenei to adopt a more flexible approach.

The hope of a nation is dampened by harsh economic reality and Rouhani’s inability to provide any relief.
![Seeking to deflect attention from the economy, Rouhani is focusing on a deal abroad [Global News Insight]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/20131199823880734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)