Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi - August 1, 2001 - Reactions of Friday Prayer Leaders Across the Country to Mohammad Khatami's Remarks on Friday Prayer and Late Praise for the Basij Resistance Force

Reactions of Friday prayer leaders across the country to Mohammad Khatami's remarks about Friday prayer and late praise for the Basij Resistance Force.

Full Text of the Daily Entry:

I was at home. I spent my time resting and studying Islamic jurisprudence, history, ethics, and the history of medical sciences in Islam and Iran. During today’s Friday prayers, some Friday prayer leaders responded to the remarks made by Mr. [Mohammad] Khatami, [the President], a couple of days ago regarding Friday prayer and read his late praise for the Basij.

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to extend sanctions against Iran and Libya with 409 votes in favor and only six against, demonstrating that both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. are united in their opposition to Iran. American threats against Iraq have also intensified under the pretext of advancing Iraq's missile industries.

In Afghanistan, there is heat, famine, cholera, plague, drought, and civil war, with heavy daily casualties among the people. Political and military groups are ruthlessly fighting against each other, and there are ongoing conflicts in several areas. The social pressure from the Taliban is increasing. They have prohibited women from working outside the home.