The corrupt Iranian theocracy is indeed virently anti-American, but the Iranian people, and the Shittes in Iraq, have a more positive view of America than any Arab state does. Contrary to the influnce of Al Queda in Arab states, after a quarter century of oppression, Shitte Islamic fundamentalism is very much a spent force in Iran, and the Shitte world of Islam is in fact far more ready for reform than the Sunni.

I think there's a real possibility than a new democratic government in Iraq, with significant Shitte influence, could strengthen the budding reform movement in Iran, and lead to positive changes there, too. I also think the Iranian leadership realizes this, too, and is scared of it.