A key figure in this week's 68th United Nations General Assembly has been Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. Considered the moderate in this year's presidential race, many have hopes that he will chart a new path for Iran, perhaps amending international relations and addressing nuclear arms.
He didn't shake President Obama's hand this week, a disappointment to many speculations. But that could be just because he doesn't like handshaking. Examination of his Twitter activity holds much insight into the new leader.
- He is willing to dialogue. Even with Secretary Kerry and President Obama. Not many want to do that.
Joining P5+1 FMs, John Kerry will meet w/ Iranian FM @JZarif in 1st formal, direct session b/w the countries’ top diplomats since 1979 #UNGA— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 26, 2013
I listened carefully to Pres Obama's speech today. #UNGA— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 24, 2013
- Nuclear weaponsÂare trouble.
As long as #nuclear weapons exist, risk of use, threat of use & proliferation persist. Only abs guarantee is their total elimination #UNGA— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 26, 2013
- He likes sports! And women's sports!
Shirin Gerami,1st female triathlete to have participated in world championship wearing Iran's colours #GenderEqualitypic.twitter.com/A5Xzqx52xd— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 15, 2013
- He "backs" Twitter! He also has an assistant tweeter, which is pretty classy.
#Rouhani backs social media in @AnnCurry interview, but (unlike @JZarif) doesn't personally sit & pen #tweets. pic.twitter.com/bYD8L0HbJu— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 18, 2013
- The more Twitter, the better.
In reply to @AnnCurry's question re Facebook & Twitter, "The viewpoint of this gov is that ppl should have access to all intl information"— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 22, 2013
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC, its affiliates, or its employees.