Many have made comparisons between George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden, arguing that both are consumed by manichean visions and promote religious violence. It's interesting, I think, that the most recent such claims are coming from Iran.

World Net Daily quotes from speech made by President Mohammed Khatami:

"Our problem is the violent and rigid voices heard in the world," stated Khatami. "One such voice was heard from Afghanistan during the Taliban rule, and another is being heard from the White House. This is a dangerous thing. Even though they confront one another, and pound and harm one another.

"Mr. bin Laden says: 'What I realized, with my narrow understanding … my God is the traditional and fanatic perspective of Islam – the Islam of 10 centuries ago – and I consider any innovation to be heretical. This is my truth. Anyone who doesn't agree with this point of view is an infidel, an atheist and fair game. In order to kill [Bush] it is permitted to pulverize thousands of innocent people. In order to weaken him it is permitted to make millions miserable.' This is one perspective."

Continued Khatami: "This very same voice is heard from the White House. It says: 'Whoever is not with us is against us, and war against [bin Laden] is a holy war.' But if you delve a little deeper, and exchange the words of Bush and bin Laden, you will be unable to distinguish between the two."

Iran isn't exactly known for its religious moderation, but it's interesting to see them use the "religious fanatics" label against others. You can't do that unless you simultaneous condemn religious fanaticism — and, in this case, the presumption that God is on your side while those against you are atheists or followers of Satan. That's exactly what Iran has done in the past, so many they are on their way to changing? It would be ironic if Iran moderated faster than America's Christian Right.

Read More:

• Islam
• War on Terrorism
• Religion in Iran
• Shia Islam