Iran and the Emerging Middle East

Iran had initially displayed great hopes that the so-called "Arab Spring" would increase its influence throughout the Middle East. Anti-Iranian regimes were toppled across the region; Political Islam was, at least initially, given a boost; and US influence in the region seems to have waned. However, these developments have not moved the region in Iran's favour. Why? The fighting in Syria has certainly been a major source of unpopularity for Iran, but are there deeper and more systemic reasons? This paper will explore these questions and ask what impact, if any, Hassan Rouhani's election has had on Iran's standing in the region.