Al Qaeda

Indirect answer
The July 2004 "Harper'" magazine has a disturbing interview with a suspected Al Qaeda member in London("The Time of Kiling"). While I don't pretend to understand the big picture, it seems radical Islamics are the problem and not specific countries (unless the entire countries and not just the leaders fully support such, in which case I would support turning the whole country into a full desert). They feel that "Western culture is nothing more than entertainment." Their goal is nothing less than to return the whole world to Islam.

"Western culture is nothing more than entertainment." We'll keep you entertained alright.

Iran has a huge interest in what happens in Iraq.

The US occupation is both a threat and an opportunity.

The US is a rival who calls Iran part of the "Axis of Evil". Iran certainly does not want the US military, or a US puppet government, next door. Iran wants the US to be kicked out of Iraq before it can establish a pro-US government.

The US invasion put Iran in a much better situtaion in the world. Iran knows that the US will find it very hard to launch another military attack. It simply doesn't have the political capital (domestic or international) and we are strained in men and resources.

This is why both Iran and North Korea are taking this opportunity to advance their nuclear programs. They wouldn't have dared before the Iraq invasion.

We have also done Iran the favor of getting rid of their biggest rival in the region. With Iraq in disorder there is a large chance that the majority Shia (who mainly support the Shiite government in Iran) will come out with a great deal of power.

Just like the US and any other country, Iran is going to pursue its national interest.

Bush has made it a whole lot easier for hardliners who currently control Iran.

This doesn't directly answer the question, but it connects. The link leads to an interview that was in Harper's last month. It scares me; see what you think.

http://www.clubcobra.com/t55918.html