Interviewer: An Egyptian reporter
Question: [Would you explain the manner in which the Islamic movement began and its basic demands? How and why did this present movement start?]
Answer: The idea of an Islamic government, where Islam governs and nothing other than Islam is not a new one. At the early Islamic period, the plan has been for the divine rule to take over everywhere. Eventually, the Muslims' negligence of their own interests, and recently the hands of the expansionists from a few hundred years ago, made such an ideal plan not to be realized. The recent Islamic movement started over fifteen years ago through the leadership of Iranian `ulama', through opposing the Shah's programs- programs that were against Islam and Iran, and were also the continuation of his past treacheries. The people supported the `ulama'. Widespread conspiracies occurred but that is a long story. What can be said to have happened within this one year is that the nation's desires gradually led to a plan and to the fact that a program was set in order to achieve the dreams originated from the early Islamic era. In this plan, not only would Iran become free of expansionism and tyranny, but it would also set an example for all Islamic countries, whether Iran or other countries under pressure and dictatorship. Our opinion, which is also agreed upon by the nation, is that, after removing the Shah's brutal and anti-Islamic government, an Islamic government and an Islamic republic, relying on Islamic laws and the votes of the people who are almost unanimously Muslims is to be established, and the Islamic commands executed as they should, and all affairs of Iran and its system should proceed according to Islamic preferences.
Q: [In Your Eminence Ayatullah's opinion, what is the quality and nature of the Islamic republic which you propose? And what is the difference between that and the Islam observed in the constitution? In the plans for an Islamic state, is more attention paid to social or political affairs of Islam? Does the precise execution of Islam's commands mean, for example, the amputation of the hand of a thief from now on? What is your perception?]
A: What is intended is that when a system is against the system of Islam in every aspect, such as its culture, its army as well as its economy and politics, that system must be overturned and the Islamic system established. Once the Islamic system becomes established, there would be a parliament, the votes of the members of the parliament, and We intend to enforce all Islamic commands and we would practically prove that Islamic laws are progressive and more than arresting and releasing a thief.
Q: [We would like to know about those who say Your Eminence Ayatullah doesn't have a clear plan, and whatever you say is nothing but a series of mottos, and perhaps there are personal disputes between the Shah and yourself; I would like you to explain about all of these. Are there any personal disputes? Why don't you have a clear economic plan?]
A: Concerning the plan, they think that there is none. Yes, there are plans; Islam has plans; we have plans too, which are Islam's plans, and more advanced and better than any plan executed by the colonialists. And about having personal disputes, I have no personal dispute with anyone whomsoever. If I had personal disputes, there would have been a chance that I would forgive him, and I would have. The dispute is over Islam, and this person has opposed and betrayed Islam's interests and the interests of the Islamic country, and therefore, the problem is not the kind one could ignore.
Q: [Do you have a specific economic plan? I comprehended your answer to the question regarding personal animosity, but does Your Eminence have a clear and specific plan?]
A: Yes, we do have a clear and specific plan. Islam's plan is clear and specific.
Q: [Can we understand its outlines?]
A: Not this time; you should study and find the basic outlines. We will declare all our political, economic and cultural policies in the future.
Q: [If the army remains faithful to the Shah, would Your Eminence have another means to achieve his goals?]
A: Such means as the military that the Shah has resorted to are no longer effective. They have all been defeated and can do nothing to silence this nation, and they would inevitably surrender. But if the Shah persists, we will change our methods of struggle accordingly.
Q: [Concerning the economic issues, and the fact that there may not be a plan, Your Eminence wants for the Shah to step aside from the monarchy. If the Shah gives up the monarchy and the economy still remains unchanged, would that be considered as a change in the situation?]
A: No. Economic conditions will change and we will present a healthy and sound economy. They have incurred expenses which are against the interests of the people, committed thefts that amount to betrayal, and have given tremendous amounts of money to certain people in order to save themselves. We will put an end to all that and we are sure that we will no longer have economic backwardness, and will give a positive response to the needs of the deprived.
Q: [Why does Your Eminence distance yourself from cooperating with other oppositionist political forces in the struggle toward reaching your goals- for example, the communists who have the very same goal?]
A: No, we cannot accept the communists, because their danger to our country is not any less than that of the Shah's. We cannot accept them.
Q: [Concerning the Arab countries, have you applied for political asylum from any of them, and what is their position? What criticisms do you have about Iraq and your stay therein? What is your understanding of the position taken by the French government regarding your stay in Paris?]
A: I don't have a favorable perspective regarding Arab states. Arab governments have not managed to protect their independence, and neither have they afforded a unity among themselves in order to get rid of Israel. The disputes among themselves and the betrayals of some heads of Arab governments have paved the way for the Zionists to remain there and become established. Recently, the head of Egypt has unfortunately done it. However, some may not be too bad, but in general they have not been able to establish unity among themselves in order to save themselves from colonialism and its repercussions such as Israel. But concerning the Arab nations, they are all our brothers and we will treat them as our brothers. But, here the French government's treatment has so far been peaceful.