I think what we're seeing in Iran is a last grasp at nationalism and power from the power base that is the Mullahs. They are threatened by pending democracy in their backyard and will go to great lengths to stop it. Problem is they have a large younger generation that is avid for civil freedoms and isn't too hot about Sharia. Reference the wildfire that is the Internet in Iran. There are plenty of options for dealing with Iran prior to military ones that weren't available with regard to Iraq. This is a different animal.

As far as the UN goes... Gelding is a good description. Eunuch is better based upon their ability to work behind the scenes and really screw things up. I can't see the reason for them any longer other than a worldwide health care organization. And still don't understand how France became a member of the security council way back when.

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-livin' in the terminally flippant zone