iran's leader hail is his country's nuclear deal. a turning point for its committ committee economy you're watching al jazeera in doha. coming up in the next half hour, iran frees five american prisoners. china tells taiwan to abandon its hallucination for its push for independence. we go along for a wild ride in argentina with where these men are saddling up to keep a

dangerous tradition alive. iran's isolation from the international community is over. e.u. and u.s. sanctions on iran have been lifted after the u.n.'s nuclear watchdog confirms that iran has complied with the nuclear agreement in july. >> reporter: diplomacy takes time. there were delays right up to the end. when the announcement finally came, it was the international atomic energy agency that broke the news. >> relations between iran and the i.a.e.a. now enter a new phase. it is an important day for the international community. i congratulate all those who helped make it a reality. >> reporter: so with implementation day is here.

the iranian foreign minister and the e.u. foreign policy chief looked satisfied as they arrived to give their reactions. both sides can look forward to huge economic benefits from the listing of sanctions. >> as iran has fulfilled its commitments, today multi lateral and national economic and financial sanctions related to iran's nuclear program are lifted in accordance with the gcpoa. >> reporter: this is the culmination of years of work by the u.s. secretary of state john kerry. a big personal achievement for him and he chose to make his statement separate to the other parties >> today marks the moment that the iran nuclear agreement transitions from an ambitious set of promises on paper to measurable action in progress. today as a result of the actions

taken since last july, the united states, our friends and allies in the middle east, in the entire world, are safer because the threat of the nuclear weapon has been reduced. >> reporter: international inspectors have confirmed that iran has drastically reduced its uranium enrichment capacity. the heavy water reactor at the facility has been put out of action. it is a huge diplomatic achievement. iran has come in from the cold. >> thank you very much. >> reporter: the verification is not over. international monitors will continue to check compliance and if they spot any violation the sanctions will snap back into place. so much is in place that

authorities will watch to make sure that this will not happen iran's president has welcomed the deal saying it opens a new chapter with tehran's relations with the west of the world. the president says the move marks a turning point for iran's economy. he says the deal does not harm any nation and it has been welcomed by everyone except israel which he described as a war monger in the region. to a politics professor at tehran university who joins us live. thank you very much for being with us. no doubt this is a day that many iranians had hoped to see and they are about to witness it and have been waiting for a very long time. in your opinion what do you think will be the biggest impact once these sanctions are lifted?

>> well, i can tell you that millions of iranian, even though they are certain that the deal has been struck, but they were so excited after years of sanctions and difficult situation everyone is happy. i think the deal will have tremendous effect primarily domestically, but in the troubled region in the middle east the deal will help in the long run, maybe to achieve a better middle east and reduction of tension in the region. so i think the bill is welcome at the same time saudi arabia has accused iran of all

sorts of negative accusations, particularly now that iran has come out from the cold and is being welcomed by the international community. saudi arabia is nervous about iran's nuclear ambitions and, in fact, its ambitions around the region. >> well, i think that the future would demonstrate that no-one has to fear the new iran and that includes the saudi arabia. saudi arabia, the leader of saudi arabia, they're thinking that the approach between iran and the united states would be detrimental to them. they will in future realise that the fact that iran and the united states are becoming closer doesn't mean that iran will be belligerent and

dangerous to its neighbours. the future will demonstrate this without a shadow of doubt i want to talk too not just about regional politics but also domestic politics. you raised the point that there will be quite an impact domestically as well once the sanctions have been lifted. the president has been criticized as the hard line has been too soft. do you think this deal has come through that, perhaps, he will be seen in a different light as iran takes advantage of the sanctions being lifted? >> well, the hard line in iran has-- hard liners in iran has been criticizing the president and the negotiating teams very bitterly. they will continue to do so. i think he feels much stronger, he can retort and he can respond to his critic by saying that although there have been damage

as a result of the deal to iran's nuclear industry, but the fault lies with the people who use the nuclear issue as a weapon against anti americanism, anti westerners, and really iran didn't need to take that pause to pay so much for nuclear activities thank you so much for sharing your insight with us. >> you're welcome as iran prepares for the lifting of sanctions, tehran released five prisoners and american has released many iranian prisoner. >> reporter: on saturday iranian state television announced the news this man's family wanted to

hear. 18 months in prisoner, convicted of spying, he is now free. his employer said: the former u.s. marine, the journalist, a christian minister as well as two other dual nationals were released in a deal that also frees seven iranians convicted of breaking u.s. laws. the u.s. has also agreed to drop charges against 14 other iranians for sanctions violations, while iran helps to find the retired f.b.i. agent. what is notable about the prisoner swap is the timing. it comes as the i.a.e.a. confirms iran has dismantled the nuclear weapons program. >> the two negotiations were not

directly related and they were not. there is no question that the pace and the progress of the humanitarian talks accelerated in light of the relationships forged and the diplomatic channels unlocked over the course of the nuclear talks analysts have suggested that the personal relationship between secretary of state john kerry and iranian foreign minister has made it possible to solve disputes between iran and the u.s. what happens when both men leave their posts? >> that relationship between them, it's one that predated the nuclear talks. it is one that may have enabled the nuclear talks to actually sort of move forward and overcome certain obstacles. it has to be institutionalised some way and some how and it can't go back to the way it used to be. >> reporter: a moment of twin diplomatic accomplishments with no guarantee of more to follow

china has stressed its commitment to protect its international integrity after taiwan's pro-independence party won a landslide victim. tsai ing-wen has promised to uphold taiwan's sovereignty. >> reporter: history was made in taiwan on saturday night. the first woman president was elected by a landslide. she was narrowly defeated four years ago, but on this night the woman who likens herself to angela merkel stands victor yous yous. >> we will form a firm foundation. we have told the community that the spirit of tm t democracy is part of the lives of the taiwan people. >> reporter: on the other side a completely different scene.

the nationalist k.m.t. party concedes defeat and resigns as party chairman. >> translation: sorry everyone. i let you down. we have been defeated. the k.m.t. lost election. we didn't do well and failed our supporters' expectations. >> reporter: some are unsure of what comes next. >> translation: this is a big impact for our country. i feel taiwan is stepping into an unknown swapgs. we don't know what will happen in the future. >> reporter: ushering in a new chapter, the opposition becomes the ruling party representing a shift in power this island has never seen and something the younger generation s are eager for. >> translation: the next generation will be much better >> reporter: in her victim speech tsai ing-wen thanked her opponents, her voters and because of the delicate

geopolitical situation of taiwan she thanked the main ally united states. while saying she wanted to work closely with china warned them against provocative acts. >> translation: we will make sure that there will be mechanisms to continue communicating with china. i will follow taiwan's best interests and make sure the cross-strait relationship will carry on as it has before. >> reporter: within hours of winning the new president, walking the delicate balance that will be the core of her job over the next four years, pushing forward with her position of independence while maintaining good relations with their neighbor across the state, who still views the island as its own territory plenty more still to come on al jazeera, including u.s. democrat hopefuls for the presidency get ready for their latest debates as the race tightens for their party's

nomination. plus imagine turning on your faucet and being able to drink this fresh mountain spring water. that's exactly what people in this found can do. coming up we will tell you about their fight to preserve their water supply. water supply. the only way to get better is to challenge yourself,

and that's what we're doing at xfinity. we are challenging ourselves to improve every aspect of your experience. and this includes our commitment to being on time. every time. that's why if we're ever late for an appointment, we'll credit your account $20. it's our promise to you. we're doing everything we can to give you the best experience possible. because we should fit into your life. not the other way around. you're watching al jazeera.

a quick recap of the top stories. iran's president has welcomed the lifting of sanctions by the e.u. and u.s. it comes after the u.n.'s

nuclear watchdog confirmed iran has complied with the nuclear deal agreed to in july. in another deal with washington, iran has freed washington post reporter and four other americans. seven iranians accused on violating sanctions on iran have been released. taiwan's pro-independence won a landslide election. the death toll in the attacks in jakarta has risen to eight after many have died. to our correspondent live for us in jakarta. a big show offed solidarity there. who is actually organising this

rally today? >> reporter: it's a very strong and very important message. it is only the largest muslim organise in indonesia but also in the world. with a few thousand people from the organization gathering here in central jakarta, it is quite a significant location, i have to say, right in front of the large mosque here in the country and also right in front of the largest church. they're making this against radicalization against terrorism and specifically against i.s.i.l. basically, it is a rally that was was organised a few weeks ago before thursday's attacks, but what happened on thursday, this has been more urgent. after the previous attacks here in indonesia 10 years ago, maybe

nine years ago, he was relatively silent but this is the first time that they're speaking out. it is not only happening here. they're going to spread their message at their schools. they have tens of thousands of schools here in indonesia. they want to prevent i.s.i.l. gaining ground here even more authorities have identified who is behind these attacks and they have blamed i.s.i.l. for the attacks. get us up-to-date on the latest investigations. >> reporter: well, police have announced they have arrested by now 12 people, but the race is still going on and they say these people all have some kind of connection to the group r man who was seen as the mastermind. he was in prison in indonesia for two and a half years on ammunition charges. he was released and went to

syria and this is where he has been planning the attack of last thursday. so he has quite some following here apparently. nobody knows exactly how many people, but they're working in cells and the police are still, as we speak, looking for more thank you. that's our correspondent reporting. i.s.i.l. has launched a major assault against government-held areas in eastern syria. there are conflicting reports about the number of character xashgts. fighter jets carried out strikes to support syrian government forces. russian air strikes have also targeted the i.s.i.l. stronghold of raqqa in northern syria. this video posted by the armed group online is said to show the aftermath of the operation in which at least 43 people have

been killed. syrian refugees in cologne have been protesting against a spike of xl assaults on women. they gathered to show unity against sexism after more than 200 complaints were made to police on new year's eve. 19 suspects have been named, all foreigners. candidates in the u.s. are holding their forth debate on sunday. that is just before is a day of hope. there isn't a single black candidate on stage for the debate. our correspondent reports. >> reporter: he is one of the lesser known presidential candidates campaigning in south carolina. still businessman willy wilson has succeeded in getting on the ballot in 13 states, but when those hoping to be the next

democratic nominee hold their fourth debate on sunday, wilson will be absent. we will have three white candidates on the stage talking about african-american issues. 56% of this state voting is african american and for me not to be up there is a shame. >> reporter: march fin o'malley was almost excluded-- martin. he captured at least 5% approval in national polls. o'malley and others charge the democratic party say they have constrained the debate to favor hillary clinton. here the absence of any candidate of black on this weekend is painful because the debate is taking place blocks from here where last june nine african american churchgoers

were murdered while attending a prayer service. a video captured a white police officer shooting walter scott in the back as he ran to escape arrest. he faces murder charges but he is not in jail. the irony of holding a debate to discuss racial injustice in south carolina so close to the locations of both shootings seems lost on democratic candidates. according to some black lives matter activists. >> we can't support a democrat party right now who doesn't think it is worthwhile to have the only black candidate on the stage. >> reporter: both front runners bernie sanders and hillary clinton have met with the black lives matter movement to convince them they will fight for racial justice, but neither politician nor their party has to invite any black candidate to

a debate >> we should have all kinds of people protesting it. >> these are supposed to be representing the down trodden, but unfortunately, like dr king said, the moderate progressive white liberals are the biggest barrier for the movement. >> reporter: highlighting why on this weekend, the struggling king dedicated his life fighting for has yet to be won people in the mexican town are proud of their fresh mountain spring water. they're fighting to keep their streams from contamination. >> reporter: is the people of this area about this mountain spring and they will tell you it represents life, health and happiness. the spring water that flows down from a mountain and into their faucets has been a source of

pride in town for generations. when bulldozers rum belled in and began digging four months ago, the town of several thousand mobilized. they blocked the bulldozers with this encampment and brought construction to a halt. >> we want to fight for our water. >> reporter: the protesters say information about who was digging and what they were building leaked out slowly. they complained but initially they say local government officials weren't much help. >> corruption, it's always a big problem. we can't do things easily if we are fighting something we can't see. >> reporter: the town eventually learned that a company was planning to build storage containers for molasses. they worried their fresh spring water was at risk of being contaminated. a city officials say a company

called arn purchased this property in 2013 and began digging last year. during a transition from one mayor to another. the company didn't have the proper permits. the city says it's now brokered an agreement that should appease everyone. >> translation: we wanted everyone involved to participate in looking for a solution. in three months we finally convinced the company to move to another place to build far away from the community. >> reporter: the company would not respond to our request for a comment. but we did see workers removing equipment from the construction site. the protesters say they don't trust the government deal to relocate the project. they are not leaving just yet. their real battle is still ahead. they want the mountain spring and land around it to be designated a protected area. so it will be off limits to developers the oscar nominated movie

the martian featured matt damon growing vegetables in space. u.s. astronauts have done it for real. they have grown lettuce. this plant is more difficult to grow than lettuce which makes it good practice for the astronauts who are hoping to grow tomatos in 2018. >> reporter: a rodeo with style. >> reporter: this is a an event where this man appears for the first time. he is 18 years old and works as a mason.

he says that if he can stay on a horse for eight seconds, he will have a chance of win possessing the prize. >> translation: -- winning the prize. >> translation: i started when i was young. we do it not only because of tradition but also because we can win prizes that helps us financially. >> reporter: they're all around the country. it started 200 years ago with cattle herders. most of those who participate in these events have second jobs in the country's farming industry. people compare this event to a world cup because they say that every rider in the country dreams about being here. the horses are also chosen purposesfully. we've been told that they have to have a special spirit and probably they will never be at the timed. >> reporter: horses are crucial in events like this one. animal rights groups worry about the treatment of the horses. this man says they're wrong.

>> translation: a horse is r riden in an event for about eight minutes. they have to be strong and beautiful to be used in an event like this one. >> reporter: they have gone from being a traditional event to a local sport. he wants this to be recognised as one of argentina's national sports. >> translation: we are pushing for a law that makes this an official sport. it is becoming more and more professional. riders now train, go to the gym and prepare all year for the big events. a dangerous sport that endures dozens of ride-- injures dozens a year. he says he has been doing this for over a decade. >> translation: i see my family cry for me many times, but this is what i love and what has help me have my highs and my family. >> reporter: passion for horses,

respect for the tradition and the extra financial incentive. a powerful mix that make this event an essential event of the argentinian countryside system goes haywire. for me, a peanut becomes an extreme threat. my heart races. my skin erupts. my stomach is under seige. i am sick, and i am in trouble, but i'm not alone. >> you have five minutes, what are you going to do about it?