plnelson, I think as you do, and have said as much regarding the issue that the Islamic world is somewhat tardier than the western world in the development of modern political structures and methods. Islam is 500 years more or less younger than Christianity, and I often allude to where the Christian world was 500 years ago.

Nevertheless, I think what the United States did in Iran in 1953 was stupid and inexcusable. I feel humliated that I didn't even KNOW about it until 2003 when "All The Shah's Men" came out. And I'd gone to university where there scores of Iranian students.