In an interview with Rooz, sixth Majlis representative Ali Mazroui discussed recent attacks by conservatives directed at former president Khatami for his latest remarks, including “By 'exporting the revolution,' Ayatollah Khamenei did not mean that that we take up arms and blow up places in other nations.” According to Mazroui, the conservatives have intensified their attacks on Khatami because they fear that he would run in the next presidential election, particularly with the wake-up call that conservatives received in the Majlis elections. Below is an excerpt of this interview.
Rooz (R): What is the reason behind the conservative camp’s attacks against Mr. Kahtami, after he spoke about the correct meaning of exporting the revolution and the need to refrain from interfering in affairs of other nations?
Ali Mazroui (AM): In my opinion, this is not a new development. The conservatives are terrified by the prospect of the upcoming presidential election, because they fear that Mr. Khatami may be a possible candidate. Therefore, they are waiting for Mr. Khatami to say something so that they can attack him. This results from a very difficult situation that the conservatives are currently faced with. Mr. Khatami's popularity is increasing with each passing day, particularly in light of the Majlis and administration's weak performance. Currently, because a majority of people in society view Mr. Khatami as a savior and expect him to rescue them out of the present situation, they are taking such positions and are willing to attack Khatami’s character as much as possible.
R: Is Mr. Khatami’s characterization of the correct meaning of “exporting the revolution” an attack on those who promote interfering in affairs of other countries as a means of exporting the revolution?
AM: Mr. Khatami’s political ideology is clear and built on reducing tensions with other nations. Furthermore, Mr. Khatami has brought up the point that exporting the revolution does not mean interfering in affairs of other nations. Rather, it means being a successful role model that other nations, particularly Muslim nations, would willingly want to follow.
R: In your opinion, how much of Mr. Khatami’s speech is constituted by criticism of the Ahmadinejad Administration’s foreign policy?
AM: Obviously, Mr. Khatami does not support what is presented by the Ahmadinejad Administration as an offensive foreign policy. That much is clear. This policy has brought nothing to our country other than sanctions and pressure. Therefore, it is clear that Mr. Khatami does not agree with this policy. Although in his latest remarks Khatami did not explicitly mention this policy, one can discern from the general framework of Mr. Khatami and reformists’ thoughts that they do not agree with such confrontational policies.
R: Is it possible for attacks against Mr. Khatami to become more intense in the coming months?
AM: Undoubtedly. The conservatives are quite worried by the prospect of Mr. Khatami’s return to the political scene. In fact, they are terrified by it. It is natural that they would employ all their ability and resources to destroy Mr. Khatami’s character and undermine his popularity through negative campaigning. However, given the pre- and post- 2 Khordad [day of reformist victory in 1997 presidential election] experience, such negative tactics would not only not diminish Mr. Khatami’s popularity, but actually increase it.
