Iran is a major power in the Middle East and does play a major role in the region. It is the center of Shiism. It exerts its influence either as a supporter of militias and 'terrorist group' such as "Hezbollah" in Lebanon, Palestinians and others. It had historical feud with Iraq especially under the Sunni President Saddam Hussein. Presently this unfriendly conflict could change with the formation of an Iraqi Shiite government. By contract, Iran's anti western stands are unchanged since the Khomeini revolution. With its militant regime following the demise of the Shah, Iran aims at becoming ...