After the collapse of communism, there has been an attempt by certain circles to portray Islam as the new enemy, and regrettably, they are targeting progressive Islam rather than certain regressive interpretations of Islam. They attack an Islam which seeks democracy, progress and development, an Islam which calls for utilization of achievements of human civilization including that of the west. In spite of that, he says Iran bears the American people no ill will. It's a right of every nation to stand on its principles and values and have the expectation of respect and dignity from others. Khatami would like to see an exchange of professors, writers, scholars, artists, journalists and tourists between the two nations and points out that the more than two million Iranians living in the United States prove there's no real hostility between the two nations.
Freedom is the essence of growth and development, but the path to freedom is risky and rough.
I am of the view that thought cannot be contained, and, if we live in a free atmosphere, opinions shall balance each other and logic shall prevail. We must endeavor to create a desirable milieu in which people can more easily tolerate one another and come up with an agreed definition of freedom and, accordingly, streamline the society. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin it will fail. Only God knows those answers. But like Cyrus, Nebuchadnezzar and thousands of other rulers throughout history, God has placed Khatami in a position of prominence for a reason and will fulfill His purposes through him.