Somewhat like the Balkans in the days leading up the WW-I. In other ways like central Europe, oh heck all of Europe, in the decade leading up to WW-II.
Yes. I was just thinking about that, with Iran playing at Brinksmanship...and we could be on the verge of a grave mis-step...albeit we may not have many good choices in response to their challenge.
We need to find some way to steer clear of handing the whole region to the likes of Osama.