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That was my thought as well. I'm somewhat hopeful about Iran. Almost 50% of their population was born after the Hostage Crisis, and they have repeatedly shown that they disagree with the ruling theocrats and want pro-Western reforms

You might want to re-phrase that, the rescue attempt was only 22 years ago, so about 1/4 to 1/3 the population was born after. However, it brings to mind those who were alive and sentient then, that disagreed with the revolution outcome. Also, the revolution was against American meddling in Iranian affairs, we supported a cruel dictator to keep oil flowing and keep an electronic eye on Russia from the Iranian listening posts. We practically asked for them to take our embassy with our past politics. We made a tough choice: Support the dictator to keep an edge on the Russians, and looking back on the politics of the 50's, almost all nations we propped up to keep an eye on the russians has fallen, and hates us today. I wish I had an answer, but I have very bad feelings baout what is in store for us if these people ever get their act together.

You might want to re-phrase that, the rescue attempt was only 22 years ago, so about 1/4 to 1/3 the population was born after.
I was hoping that the "almost" would cover my butt on that one. There's no getting anything by FReepers! =^)

Also, the revolution was against American meddling in Iranian affairs
Oddly enough, I'd bet a majority of Americans would say we butt into the the affairs of others nations too much, as well. Our representatives in Washington are some of the most inept, power-hungry, self-centered, and myopic fools that I can imagine. They can make it really tough to feel supportive of the government sometimes. /rant>

We practically asked for them to take our embassy with our past politics.
I'll have to disagree on this one. No government, even our corrupt and foolish one, could "ask for it" to the tune of 100+ kidnapped citizens for 444 days. (although if any could lower themselves that much, ours would probably be near the top of the list).

We made a tough choice: Support the dictator to keep an edge on the Russians, and looking back on the politics of the 50's, almost all [of the] nations we propped up to keep an eye on the russians [have] fallen, and [hate] us today.
Yep. It's sad. We prop up dictators, and we expect the subjects of those nations to be appreciative, when we never did much for them... only their leader, and in our own self-interest. Of course, we are by far the most generous nation on earth, and send aid to EVERYBODY (even when there is no crisis), we prop up their UN (to our own detriment), and we defend the weak, oppressed, or invaded with some regularity (although we can't get to them all. Sorry, Africa). We, the people (not the bureaucrats), have earned some measure of gratitude! If only everyone would differentiate between their feelings for governments and the people they represent, I think we'd all have much more realistic and understandable international relations.