Mohammad Khatami, the reform-minded former president of Iran who favored a “dialogue among civilizations,” labeled America’s efforts to impose democracy on the Middle East a “great joke.” He added, “Democracy is not something to get exported.”

  • Listen to his BBC interview

    • BBC:

    The former president of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, has branded US attempts to impose Western-style democracy in the Middle East as “a great joke”.

    Mr Khatami was critical of the US-led military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, which he said had led to more Muslims supporting al-Qaeda.

    In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC, Mr Khatami, said he was committed to fighting extremism around the world.

    He also called on US and UK to leave Iraq in an effort to reduce violence.

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