"P.S. I fully expect Iran to return to a pre-Revelutionary relationship with the United States sometime in the next 10 years...After the current "Crisis" has faded into memory."

And what will "drive" that relationship? Are you aware the Shah was a US puppet, installed after the CIA overthrew the previous regime? The CIA trained the SAVAK in police methods, including torture, and there is a powerful anti-American sentiment for those reasons? (And the CIA was taken by surprise by the revolution. God knows it seems the CIA has it's eyes wide open, but it's surprise more that vigilance sometimes.)

Anyway, what are the forces which will lead Iran and the US into a closer relationship? I'm curious to know what your thinking on that is.

"The sky is not falling."

Well, you're right there. And things could get very, very difficult. Without Saudi Arabia any invasion of Iraq would be almost impossible, not only logistically. And the longer the US ally Israel is shooting up Palestinians, the longer Israel is building settlements, the more resentments are building against the US. The US is perceived as backing Sharon.

The US could support Israel without backing Sharon's brutality, but GWB has chosen to not do that. So be it. There will be a price in the long run for American interests.

And, if I were you, I might write your previous post in small words on soft paper and coat it with Vaseline.

Arf