O`11 K
Downtown Isfahan should seem a lot busier at this time of year. The city counts as one of the most beautiful in the Near East, but the tourists are missing and so are foreign investors. Iran is now left in this crisis on its own.
0`35 K
People are used to tough times but the situation is more precarious than ever. Not far from these cultural treasures is located one of the most important nuclear centersa potential target of attack. That too makes the situation trickier. People on the street may have enough of their presidents provocative politics, but when it comes to the nuclear issue, they support their unpopular regime.
1`04 OT
The West will not have the guts to attack us, thats what I think. Also, when foreign countries are against us, we stand behind our president. Our enemies should take a look at our cemeteries and then they would see that we are ready to fight to the bitter end.
1`43 K
The conflict surrounding nuclear power is the only bond between the president and the people. 27 years after the Khomeini Revolution, this theocratic and police dominated state is stuck in a deep economic and social crisis. The middle classes are dwindling and signs of poverty can be found everywhere.
2`08 K
There are many hints that the Islamists around Ahmadineschad are not afraid of confronting the USA, a trader in the Isfahan bazaar tells us in a surprisingly open manner. The atmosphere is pessimistic.
2`19 OT alter Mann (langsam)
The present is looking very dark and the future even more. We suffer from high unemployment. Everything grows more expansive each day. Young people want to marry but they have no money and can barely feed a family. They cant even buy their own flat
If my son wanted to buy this shop, it would be impossible because he wouldnt get a credit. More and more young people turn to drugs. The situation is really dreary.
3`03 K
We didnt make the Revolution to get democracy, Ahmadineschad declared shortly after his election as President. It was already predictable then that he would be tempted to turn the clock back to Khomeinis time.
Since then, the president has enjoyed his time as a troublemaker.
Ahmadineschad sees himself as the spearhead of a second Islamic revolution in Iran. He may not be reputed to be the most cultured or competent politician, but he states his opinions openly.
However, promises to redistribute oil profits among the poor havent been fulfilled and corruption is rife as ever.
3`45 K
It is here in the South of Teheran that the greatest hopes have rested on his election. With good reasons. As their mayor, he always gave the poor his attention and he championed social justice. Ahmadineschad was more popular than any mayor before him.
70 percent have voted for him. For many it was an emotional decision that they regret today. He is not an actor, he means what he says, many inhabitants of the city tell us, but he led us into a dead-end.
By now, Ahmadineschad has provided material for many jokes. Some make fun of his appearance, others of his lack of culture. Yet many have long lost their sense of humour.
4`35 OT Mann
We have reached the bottom economically. I sell fish because my fruit and vegetables shop is bankrupt. Its the same for everyone around here. At the beginning of the revolution, everything was fine. Even under Rafsandschani we still had money in our pockets but nowa disaster.
4`55 K
Interviewees are very cautious when criticizing their president. Wherever foreign journalists show up, spies are there too. However an increasing number of Iranians is not ready to put up with this any more.
5`16 OT girl
We practically never get the chance to have fun, except maybe at the restaurant or in the cinema. There are no clubs, no Western culture.
We can never find an outlet for our energy and many young people turn to drugs to forget their frustration. Its a huge problem. Ahmadineschad made us so many promises but so far he has kept none.
5`45 K
As could be expected, the opinion of those close to the controversial president himself is radically different. We visited Ahmadinedschads doctor. Ahmed Dar Hosht has known him since youth. This fact might explain a tendency to admire the politician.
6`05 OT Dr.Ahmed Dar Hosht, Arzt von Präsident Ahmadinedschad (langsam)
We see President Ahmadinedschad as a second Mahatma Ghandi (5 sec) He has to be given the time to carry out his mission. He is an unsophisticated peace-loving man. Can you detect anything about him that would contradict his love of peace?
6`30 K
Ahmadineschad hasnt made many friends in parliament. His extreme verbal aggression towards Israel and the West are the main reasons why he has become increasingly isolated.
Rumours are even circulating about a power struggle within the Conservatives. The direction taken by Ahmadinedschad also seems unclear to other politicians. Where is he taking the country? Those in favour of reform distance themselves from him as much as possible.
7`00 OT Fatemeh Rakai, politician (fast)
Like many other presidents, Ahmadinedschad follows ideas that are diametrically opposed to those of the people. We, all those who want reform, are against the confrontational approach of the president and I am under the impression that the conservatives also disapprove. As the revolution started, we were united as a people. Now we are divided.
7`30 K
Those somewhat better off materially have other concerns. The threatening return to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution could put an end to their modest freedoms. Rules and taboos belong to the urban middle classes everyday life; breaking them is a mass phenomenon. The governments foreign and interior politics have by now become a source for great irritation.
7`57 OT Man
We are worried. Not just me, everyone. We have to act with caution and we are afraid that someone could attack us. This is a very unstable situation. No one seems to know a way out.
8`20 K
Over the past few months, both here in Isfahan and in the entire country, people have grown more apprehensive. They are afraid that this fanatical president could force them under an Islamic dictatorship with an iron fist.
Many wonder why Iranians have to suffer so much in a country benefitting from natural resources in plenty and a rich cultural past. What has become of Iran?
8`53 OT Man (fast)
We Iranians dont confide in one another easily but I can see that everyone shares the same boat: what will happen to us? Will Ahmadineschad finally do something for us? Will he keep his promises? Where is he really leading our country?
Downtown Isfahan should seem a lot busier at this time of year. The city counts as one of the most beautiful in the Near East, but the tourists are missing and so are foreign investors. Iran is now left in this crisis on its own.
0`35 K
People are used to tough times but the situation is more precarious than ever. Not far from these cultural treasures is located one of the most important nuclear centersa potential target of attack. That too makes the situation trickier. People on the street may have enough of their presidents provocative politics, but when it comes to the nuclear issue, they support their unpopular regime.
1`04 OT
The West will not have the guts to attack us, thats what I think. Also, when foreign countries are against us, we stand behind our president. Our enemies should take a look at our cemeteries and then they would see that we are ready to fight to the bitter end.
1`43 K
The conflict surrounding nuclear power is the only bond between the president and the people. 27 years after the Khomeini Revolution, this theocratic and police dominated state is stuck in a deep economic and social crisis. The middle classes are dwindling and signs of poverty can be found everywhere.
2`08 K
There are many hints that the Islamists around Ahmadineschad are not afraid of confronting the USA, a trader in the Isfahan bazaar tells us in a surprisingly open manner. The atmosphere is pessimistic.
2`19 OT alter Mann (langsam)
The present is looking very dark and the future even more. We suffer from high unemployment. Everything grows more expansive each day. Young people want to marry but they have no money and can barely feed a family. They cant even buy their own flat
If my son wanted to buy this shop, it would be impossible because he wouldnt get a credit. More and more young people turn to drugs. The situation is really dreary.
3`03 K
We didnt make the Revolution to get democracy, Ahmadineschad declared shortly after his election as President. It was already predictable then that he would be tempted to turn the clock back to Khomeinis time.
Since then, the president has enjoyed his time as a troublemaker.
Ahmadineschad sees himself as the spearhead of a second Islamic revolution in Iran. He may not be reputed to be the most cultured or competent politician, but he states his opinions openly.
However, promises to redistribute oil profits among the poor havent been fulfilled and corruption is rife as ever.
3`45 K
It is here in the South of Teheran that the greatest hopes have rested on his election. With good reasons. As their mayor, he always gave the poor his attention and he championed social justice. Ahmadineschad was more popular than any mayor before him.
70 percent have voted for him. For many it was an emotional decision that they regret today. He is not an actor, he means what he says, many inhabitants of the city tell us, but he led us into a dead-end.
By now, Ahmadineschad has provided material for many jokes. Some make fun of his appearance, others of his lack of culture. Yet many have long lost their sense of humour.
4`35 OT Mann
We have reached the bottom economically. I sell fish because my fruit and vegetables shop is bankrupt. Its the same for everyone around here. At the beginning of the revolution, everything was fine. Even under Rafsandschani we still had money in our pockets but nowa disaster.
4`55 K
Interviewees are very cautious when criticizing their president. Wherever foreign journalists show up, spies are there too. However an increasing number of Iranians is not ready to put up with this any more.
5`16 OT girl
We practically never get the chance to have fun, except maybe at the restaurant or in the cinema. There are no clubs, no Western culture.
We can never find an outlet for our energy and many young people turn to drugs to forget their frustration. Its a huge problem. Ahmadineschad made us so many promises but so far he has kept none.
5`45 K
As could be expected, the opinion of those close to the controversial president himself is radically different. We visited Ahmadinedschads doctor. Ahmed Dar Hosht has known him since youth. This fact might explain a tendency to admire the politician.
6`05 OT Dr.Ahmed Dar Hosht, Arzt von Präsident Ahmadinedschad (langsam)
We see President Ahmadinedschad as a second Mahatma Ghandi (5 sec) He has to be given the time to carry out his mission. He is an unsophisticated peace-loving man. Can you detect anything about him that would contradict his love of peace?
6`30 K
Ahmadineschad hasnt made many friends in parliament. His extreme verbal aggression towards Israel and the West are the main reasons why he has become increasingly isolated.
Rumours are even circulating about a power struggle within the Conservatives. The direction taken by Ahmadinedschad also seems unclear to other politicians. Where is he taking the country? Those in favour of reform distance themselves from him as much as possible.
7`00 OT Fatemeh Rakai, politician (fast)
Like many other presidents, Ahmadinedschad follows ideas that are diametrically opposed to those of the people. We, all those who want reform, are against the confrontational approach of the president and I am under the impression that the conservatives also disapprove. As the revolution started, we were united as a people. Now we are divided.
7`30 K
Those somewhat better off materially have other concerns. The threatening return to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution could put an end to their modest freedoms. Rules and taboos belong to the urban middle classes everyday life; breaking them is a mass phenomenon. The governments foreign and interior politics have by now become a source for great irritation.
7`57 OT Man
We are worried. Not just me, everyone. We have to act with caution and we are afraid that someone could attack us. This is a very unstable situation. No one seems to know a way out.
8`20 K
Over the past few months, both here in Isfahan and in the entire country, people have grown more apprehensive. They are afraid that this fanatical president could force them under an Islamic dictatorship with an iron fist.
Many wonder why Iranians have to suffer so much in a country benefitting from natural resources in plenty and a rich cultural past. What has become of Iran?
8`53 OT Man (fast)
We Iranians dont confide in one another easily but I can see that everyone shares the same boat: what will happen to us? Will Ahmadineschad finally do something for us? Will he keep his promises? Where is he really leading our country?