Hassan Rouhani was sworn in as Iran’s new president today, replacing controversial leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The 65-year old reform-minded cleric was elected by a coalition of traditional, conservative voters and those aiming for gradual reform within the Iranian system. As a former nuclear negotiator it is hoped that Rouhani’s credentials can help ease tensions over Iran’s development of nuclear technology. It is expected that Hassan Rouhani will be one of the most influential presidents in the Islamic Republic’s short history – his ties to the Ayatollah Khamenei, who remains supreme ruler of Iran, and revolutionary credentials are expected to bolster his influence in the political arena. First on the list of concerns for many Iranians is the dour economic outlook in Iran and how the government can ease the sanctions placed on the regime which have had a deleterious effect on the economic climate within the nation.

[CNN]