[JeepInMazar]

Here are my guesses as to why Iran might want to provoke a response from the US:

1. More Musliims can be recruited to join the world-wide jihad.

2. Iran must confront the US directly in order for the current government to stay in power. If they simply try to soft peddle the issues and play both sides by attempting make themselves into a moderate, friendly state the infuluence of the US will impower Iranians to rise up in revolt against the government. The status quo will not keep them in power.

Either way, it is a matter of time before the Iranian government collapses. Let's just hope it happens before they can unleash too much more rage on the world.

[jim macomber]

"Either way, it is a matter of time before the Iranian government collapses. Let's just hope it happens before they can unleash too much more rage on the world."

I do agree with that. Iran, more so than Iraq, is ripe for unrest and even overthrow - and by its own. And they do have a degree of experience with democracy.
We need to vigorously support the opposition.