Analysis: Iran Deals May Not Herald Rapid Changes

The terms of a nuclear agreement with Iran are being implemented, followed by a prisoner exchange, planning for an order of Airbus planes, and release of frozen Iranian assets, but the Associated Press warns that rapid change is unlikely. “It will take time for the economic benefits to trickle down to ordinary Iranians, but the goodwill from the deal could translate into electoral gains for moderate and reformist candidates in parliamentary elections late next month,” writes Adam Schreck. Rouhani “faces intense domestic opposition from hard-liners who believe he has given away too much and fear Iran's opening to the outside world leaves it exposed to corrupting foreign cultural influences.” Expect both sides to display some tough stances to assuage conservative forces. Soon after a prison exchange, the United States reimposed sanctions on 11 individuals and groups for Iran’s ballistic missile tests in October. – YaleGlobal