E/CN.4/1999/58 page 31 2. A new methodology 121. These additional resources could also facilitate the adoption of a new approach to the preparation of reports. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that the general report should systematically cover all States and all religions and beliefs; it should contain analyses of each State so that its economic, social, cultural, civil and political context can be taken into account when cases and situations of intolerance and discrimination are being examined. It would also make for reflection on and a better understanding of developments in the field of freedom of religion or belief, as well as the stakes involved in freedom of religion or belief. For example, the record number of communications concerning Iran this year will not have gone unnoticed. Although aware of what still remains to be done, we must acknowledge the strides made by President Khatami's policy, such as progress in women's representation (posts of Vice-President of the State, diplomats, magistrates, police officers, a woman mayor of a district in Tehran, etc.), his statement calling for the non-application of the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, his address to the last session of the General Assembly and support for General Assembly resolution 53/22 “United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations”. The Special Rapporteur's communications should therefore be viewed not only from the standpoint of their intrinsic importance, but also in the Iranian context and the stakes involved. The communications concerning Iran may be interpreted either as reflecting its maintenance of a policy of intolerance and discrimination, particularly against the Baha'is, or as revealing a strategy on the part of conservatives to thwart President Khatami's progressive advances, or as both at once. It is therefore of vital importance that a report should be prepared from that angle, using the approach described above. 3. Title and consistency of the mandate 122. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his recommendation that a more neutral and encouraging title, such as “Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief”, should be used. The present one, with its reference to religious intolerance, antagonizes certain interlocutors and sometimes makes dialogue difficult. A different title could embrace all aspects of freedom of religion or belief. It must also be consistent with the mandate, covering not only religion but also belief and intolerance, as well as discrimination, and reflect the balanced dialogue-oriented approach followed by the Special Rapporteur in his work, in accordance with the resolutions governing his mandate. B. External factors 123. With regard to the external factors that can help to combat and prevent intolerance and discrimination, the Special Rapporteur wishes, first of all, to stress that action to promote freedom of religion or belief is inextricably linked to action to promote democracy and development. Extreme poverty, in particular, is likely to render human rights illusory and favour extremism. In other words, these factors cannot be divorced from human rights. 124. Efforts to guarantee freedom of religion or belief imply a prevention strategy. Education can, especially through the schools, inculcate values