Perfect Propaganda
Yes, I agree. I like to think of myself as a student of propaganda, and I think we have been flat out-maneuvered here. I'm not sure the Brit marine capture was part of this program, I still think it was a situation that just happened unexpectedly, taking everyone by surprise, but it was certainly incorporated deftly into Iranian plans.
Iran definitely wants to be the leading power in the middle east, like it was under the Shah, and I think Sadr has been their man in Baghdad all along.
As for Pelosi's trip to Syria, I think it was a huge mistake. You don't have to be pro Bush or pro war to understand that.