A lot of people believe that Iran was most progressive around the time of Khatami's presidency and a "reform" was taking place. I guess it all depends on how u look at the situation. Yes Khatami's government managed to earn the title of creating a democratic movement in Iran. However, within the 27 years of the Islamic government prevailing I have never seen the roots of Islam digging deeper in to the wide spread culture of Iran than it has today. It is as if the people have come to believe that yes, we are an open minded Islamic country, liberated enough to state our opinions and live as free citizens!

Before Khatami ever came to be a president, people were getting tired of Mulla's and anything associated with them including Islam, but now Mullah's have gain a new image in the society and Islam has become a cherished religion in the country. Even my own uncle who used to utter the most provoking jokes about Islam, Imams and the prophets has an "art work" on the top of his bed that says "ya ali"! ( of course when I confronted him with it he dismissed its importance by replying that after a man in Iran reaches a certain age instead of using Viagra he relies on Hazrate Ali for help!)

Khatami was the key to the survival of the Islamic "Republic" of Iran, a character that has forever sealed his named as a "hero" in the history of Iran; I wonder why in the hell he wasn't elected again! After all he could've provided the foundation for the Islamic Republic of Iran to stay in power for many more years to come!

With the recent "developments" and a buzz for a referendum in Iran, I'm afraid that the people have become to feel so comfortably numb with their position that they will vote for yet another Mullah to ravage their country! Who's to stop them then?!!