Iran's moderate president faces wrath of hard-liners

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Moderate political and social forces in Iran are giving a boost to President Mohammad Khatami and his fight against hard-line clergymen and politicians.

VIDEO CNN's Kasra Naji reports that conservative hardliners are finding themselves at odds with the current reform movement in Iran Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     MESSAGE BOARD Share your thoughts on reforms in Iran

Khatami, a moderate Shi'ite Muslim cleric, has proven popular among Iranians, especially young people. He has called for greater economic progress and relaxation of strict social and culture codes imposed after the 1979 cultural revolution.

But Khatami's moderate views have drawn the ire of conservative clergymen, especially after he announced plans to run for re-election next May. Some hard-liners argue for the use of force, while others advise caution.

Moderates, who form a majority in parliament, have been encouraged by the split in the conservative camp. However, the situation has raised concern about possible steps the hard-liners might take to regain power, as this report shows.

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Presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting
Democracy Network of Iran
Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran
Amnesty International 1999 Report for Iran
Human Rights Watch 1999 Report for Iran

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