Irrespective of the reasons for President Mohammad Khatami's choice of his cabinet, the ensuing reaction from the public has been a great disappointment and a feeling of deja vu. No one really and truly believes that the president can implement the great changes he has promised through the team he has introduced. Choosing the same old tired and burnt out officials to initiate aggressive revolutionary efforts to get the country out of its present economic and social stagnation can only be judged to be wishful thinking or political naivete or indeed both.

There is of course no doubt that some ministers in Khatami's fist administration can boast a good and satisfactory record. Within such portfolios as foreign policy, defense and national security, much has been achieved, and the country has taken great strides forward. But in many other sections, especially those that directly affect the public life, the record of the previous administration is very bleak. A cursory look at the nation's economy, health, social security, public services and general welfare will demonstrate the extent of the great malady engulfing the country. And these are in addition to the great curse of unemployment that has adversely affected the young generation of our nation, who are expected to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our future. So it seems inconceivable for the president to choose the very officials who failed so abjectly in the past and expect them to come forward with new plans and inspirations.

The sympathies of the president towards one political faction is well known. It is quite natural for Khatami to have political affiliations and leanings. But he must not allow his sympathies for individuals or groups, or pressure from political and lobby groups, to cloud his judgement in choosing the best available team for the country. The cabinet should not be seen as a factional circle, as it should act as a national team. Therefore, the players must represent the best for every position. The cabinet introduced by the president is not the best that the country can offer. Perhaps the president may have to change some of his players when they come out of the Majlis trials. If so, he should really choose from amongst the best available and retire some of his old and unsuccessful players.