Since the revolution, Iran has undergone changes in an evolutionary manner. It's been a slow process, rather than a sudden, tremendous transformation. These changes have been occurring more rapidly since the 1997 election of President Khatami. He was elected based on a domestic agenda that included promoting the rule of law, freedom of expression, and similar reforms inside Iran.

Curiously, Khatami's greatest successes as president have all been in the area of foreign policy. He has transformed Iran's image from that of a dour, crazy, extremist state to that of a much more smiling nation. Iran is working hard today to develop good relations with many of its neighbors. That shift represents a huge turnabout. While it remains unclear how his efforts will resolve in the final analysis, Khatami's foreign policy has so far proved to be an area of great success.

Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Iran's image of Islamic extremism has waned in recent years, while that of nations such as Afghanistan has increased. Left: President Khatami addressing the Iranian Parliament. Above: Taliban spokesman Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi during an interview in Kabul, Afghanistan. AP / Wide World