While Khatami has eased the social atmosphere and preached greater freedom of expression and religious democracy, his opponents kept a grip on key power centers, including the judiciary, security forces, state broadcasting, and a conservative body that can veto legislation by the reformist-dominated parliament. His conservative opponents fear that his drive to liberalize the Islamic system could sweep it away altogether. Some even portray the broad-based reform movement as an unwitting fifth column of the United States, which is supposedly bent on trying to undermine the foundations of the Islamic Republic. They argue he is the last best chance for a religious system that faces grave dangers if it is not reformed. Many already are.
Secularization is now a social movement in Iran, analysts say.
Some reformist clerics have even called for a separation between mosque and state - a step Khatami does not support. They fear religion has been tarnished by its involvement in politics - especially because the Islamic system has failed to deliver a better lot economically for most Iranians, which was one of the promises of the revolution. Moreover, satellite television, the Internet, and increasing numbers of tourists to Iran have introduced these young people to different ideas and cultures. That doesn't mean for a minute they are against Islam. They would still practice their religion, but they see it as a private matter.