Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – March 20, 1983

I spent the whole time at home. I read reports and rested. Before noon, Mr. Taheri Esfahani came to the house with Mr. [Abdollah] Nouri, [the Imam's representative in] Jihad [of Construction]. Mr. Taheri had written a letter to the Imam and delivered it to the members of the central council of Friday prayer leaders. In this letter, he complained about the opposition of a number of clerical figures—without mentioning names—and especially about the statements of Mr. [Ahmad] Azari Qomi. At night, Mr. [Abdolmajid] Moadi Khah came. He brought the book he had written and spoke about the progress of the Nahj al-Balagha project and the introduction he had written for it. We had started this work ten years ago. Later, he continued the work on his own, and now it is gradually becoming ready. Late at night, I watched the film "The Mysterious Stone."

Overall, we had a relatively good year. Regarding the imposed war, which is the most important issue facing the system, progress was made on the fronts. The Ba'athist army suffered severe defeats, was driven out of many occupied territories, many of its important units suffered serious damage, and a great deal of war booty was captured. Although important parts of our country's territory are still occupied by the Ba'athists, hope and self-confidence among the people, especially the armed forces, have increased. However, expectations have also risen, making it more difficult to bring the war to an end.

The country's social and security situation is better than last year. The counterrevolution has become weaker and more discouraged, disturbances have decreased, security has become more solid, and the system is moving toward stability. Politically and administratively, our situation is also much better; the government, parliament, and judiciary are more coordinated, and the distressing and resentment-generating disputes and conflicts are fewer.

Regarding foreign policy, we have not made significant progress, but it seems that many independent countries have become more hopeful about the continuation of the revolution and the strengthening of the system, and in practice they are showing a greater willingness to cooperate. Although the hostility and enmity of the arrogant powers has become more serious because they have witnessed our defensive strength, and they are undoubtedly paying attention to conspiracies, harassment, sanctions, boycotts, negative propaganda, and perhaps greater support for Ba'athist Iraq, if we exercise the necessary maturity and prudence in dealing with international issues, they too may cease their hostility.