Renewed Isolation

Renewed Isolation

Iran's national team is regarded as its best ever. After Iran failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, a talented young team was formed around veteran striker Ali Daei by the country's new coach, Branko Ivankovic.

POLITICS

After cautious attempts at reform in the late 1990s, hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seized the reins of government in August 2005. By threatening Israel and asserting its right to a nuclear program, the country has succeeded in further isolating itself.

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