JN, no worries, just thought you were wearing your history degree a little too obviously on the thread. Nothing particularly wrong with snideness and derision used in low doses!
I am acquainted with an Iraqi Shia, who supported the Iraq invasion but also understands the great game being played out by Persia. Don't think Dinner Jacket is playing it too smartly myself and you could argue that US foreign policy has brought on what could turn out to be a nuclear arms race in the region.
I always have a sneaking admiration for Israeli cojones though!
Cheers,
Nige