[sionnsar]

I will try to remember to ask this tonight (I will be attending a Republican fundraiser hosted and attended by a number of Iranians). I do know that they have not expressed any concern about Israel's possession (I guess technically it is "potential"), but they are extremely concerned about the mullahs having nukes.

This group is thoroughly disgusted with Powell's State Department and are trying to get Bush's ear. As they say, they know the mullahs better than we do, and they are very concerned. They also think a Kerry victory would be a disaster for both the U.S. and the Middle East.

[sionnsar]

Well, I got the chance to ask. The difference between Iran and Israel, he said, is essentially that Israel is surrounded by sworn enemies AND has a democratic government (which is much more likely to be restrained). Ultimately not a very satisfying answer.

What was more intriguing was his perspective that the imminent acquisition of nukes might trigger an uprising, because a revolution against a nuclear power wouild be too fearful a task. Again, I'm not convinced.

At the function we were addressed by a Dr. Houmayoum (sp?), who appears quite knowledgeable in Iranian affairs (he was state minister or some such under the Shah?). Sadly I brought nothing on which to take notes, and was dead on my feet from jet lag anyway, so I can't relate what he said.