Life in Iran under the mullahs is a living hell, especially for women, and a democratic revolution is surely coming.

Some interesting points:

The democratic movement is entirely home-grown, and a reaction to nearly a quarter century of severe repression at the hands of a corrupt, hypocritical elite theocracy. (Did you know that the Iranan gov't imports massive quantities of drugs into their country, in the hopes of keeping the populace doped up and passive, unable to protest too loudly?)

Al Queda, and other Islamic extremist movements and organizations have absolutely zero appeal for Iranians. Partly because they're Shittes, and also because they've been living under exactly those kind of assholes for 20+ years already.

Unlike some in the Arab world, Iranians don't perceive democracy and democratic instututions as alien 'un-Islamic' Western concepts. They truly believe in freedom, and that freedom is totally compatible with modern Islam.

The tricky part for the West is in knowing how best to 'help' this democratic revolution gain steam and momentum, and finally succeed. Some suggest the best course of action is to simply stand back and let events run their course, and thus particular corner of the axis of evil will topple in a few years, no longer.