Iranian leader eyes key constituency: young people

But not all young Iranians may tune in. "A lot of people believe in these [religious] ceremonies, but a lot have different ideas," says Mehdi Gomar, an engineer with Western tastes and flexible political views. He voted for Ahmadinejad, but praises Mr. Khatami's more laissez-faire attitude. "I don't think this [Islamic] system will last more than 10 years more, because a lot of people are not satisfied - they only tolerate it," he says.

Ahmadinejad has promised moderation, though last week a cultural body he heads reportedly banned imported films that promote secularism, feminism, drugs, alcohol use, and violence.

"Maybe, God-willing, [Ahmadinejad] can do better than now," says Gomar. He worries that the basiji militia will take Ahmadinejad's electoral mandate as a license to crack down.

"Many [basiji] are children; they are not mature enough," says Gomar. "They think they can do what they want, but it doesn't mean that Ahmadinejad thinks that way."

Gomar's views are more accommodating than those of many students. Radical students have held sacred ground since helping to lead the Islamic revolution and the takeover of the US Embassy. Prodemocracy student demonstrations that turned violent in 1999 prompted the basijis and other vigilante groups to knuckle down.

One student leader of the Office for Strengthening Unity, Ali Afshari, spent three years in jail - including 350 days of solitary confinement - for "threatening security." After the announcement that students would be released, his file was reopened, and he was sentenced to six more years.

"The university is still suffering from the [1999] shock," says Unity's Delbari, who attends Amir Kabir University. "As soon as students begin to unify, they receive another hit."

"[The announced releases] are important, but we hope it comes to a final result," says Emadedin Baghi, a journalist and founder of the Society for Defending Prisoners' Rights. "A few students have been released [in the past], but their verdicts are still there," says Mr. Baghi, jailed nearly three years for "insulting sanctities" and "publishing falsehoods." "If they are canceled, we can say it is an improvement."

But there are two factions in the judiciary: a moderate wing probably responsible for the announced release, and a hard-line faction that "uses prison as a tool against their political opponents," says Baghi.

Where Ahmadinejad stands may determine if he can carry young people. "Our programs should be acceptable to all kinds of youths," says presidential adviser Bazrpash.

"We are pursuing an advanced ... and happy country, and the existence of these youths is the source of joy and happiness," he adds. "We will introduce the model of happy, young Iranians to the world."

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