[expat_panama]

We may see in Iran something like what we saw in Panama 15 years ago.  I was working for the Canal and one day someone stuck a note on the office bulletin board calling for the US military to remove Noriega.  When I saw it I made a wise crack to the affect of 'why should Americans have to clean up someone else's mess'-- and a nearby Panamanian overheard me and came back at me with a very emotional opposing view.   I found out later that his old man had been killed by the Norieagistas and he (as many others) had a very personal stake in the dispute.

So if we start hearing from more and more Iranians calling for the US to take out the Ayatollahs, we might want to oblige them.

[RightOnline]

I think your analogy to Noriega is VERY appropriate. We had a long-standing, very close relationship with Iran during the Shah's regime. Now granted, the Shah was anything but perfect, and he was responsible for some things that most of us would never condone. Still, our two peoples had a great relationship that was squelched after the ouster of the Shah and the implementation of the theocracy.

Yes, I believe the the overwhelming majority of Iranians want those tired old Koran-thumpers long gone, and would welcome any chance to hasten their departure and re-establish ties with us. I pray that this happens soon, and that the Iranian people initiate it without the need for US and allied troops.