Undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century, Imam Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, not only was the spiritual force behind the Islamic Revolution in Iran, but also influenced other world leaders, among them was Mikhail Gorbachev. In January of 1989, the Imam wrote a letter to the former head of the Soviet Union that contained much wisdom and sound advice, the value of which endures to this day.
Ayatollah Abdullah Javadi Amoli, who delivered Imam's message to Mr. Gorbachev, said the Soviet leader sat politely for two hours as he read the message at the Kremlin.
Imam in the historic message had said that Communism should henceforth be sought in museums.''
Ayatollah Amoli, whose delegation delivered Ayatollah Khomeini's first message to a foreign head of state, said their reception at the Kremlin was extremely cordial.
The message praised Mr. Gorbachev's boldness in criticizing his predecessors' record but said the main problem in the Soviet Union was spiritual, not economic or social. The solution was Islam rather than capitalist-style reform.
Ayatollah Amoli quoted Mr. Gorbachev as replying that Moscow was determined not to repeat some mistakes of the past. ''Then he smiled and said: 'It is evident that the Imam does not like our ideology.
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