After 9/11, the US rightly declared war on Al-Quaeda and their protectors, the Taliban, in Afghanistan. The Shia Iranians, who had as much to fear being sandwiched between Sunni terrorism and Saddam Hussein actually helped us with intelligence and (it is rumored) some prisoner torturing, as well as sealing off their border to terrorists from Afghanistan (contrast with our Paki pals on the Eastern side who were playing both sides.) Iran had long been trying to mend relations with the US because they felt threatened by the Saudis and the Iraqis, and the growing Pakistani influence in Afghanistan.

THEN came the famous Baby Bush Axis of Evil Speech, which immediately lumped the Iranians into our enemies' list, much to their consternation. They were blindsided, caught totally off guard. They felt betrayed, and they were absolutely right.

Before long, Iran saw itself surrounded by the Americans, with American armies and puppet governments on both east and west sides of their country, and a string of American supply bases in the old Soviet Republics to the North ("the 'Stans") and in Pakistan, supporting the US's increasingly elaborate fortification, regime-changing and state-building efforts in SW Asia.

Is it any wonder Iran decided they needed to kick their nuke program into high gear? I certainly would have if I had been in their shoes.

The Neocons didn't just screw up the world's economy for a decade, the damage they did to the balance of power in Asia has yet to fully play itself out. But to be fair, I doubt if Mr Trump knows, or cares much, about any of this history.

But you can bet your sweet ass Hillary does.