From what I’ve read, the Iraqis are probably among the most energetic and educated of all the Arab nations. Or am I wrong? Iran has that too, but it is not primarily Arab, is it?
Correct on both counts. The Iraqis haven't had the pampered lifestyle of their Saudi and Kuwaiti, etc. counterparts and tend to be bright, educated and hardworking. They're also much friendlier than people in other Arab nations.
Iranians are primarily Persians and tend to be well-educated, too. They just have a tendency to have really screwed up "leadership."
And in the leadership department, Iraq is still learning. This voting thing is kind of new to them, but the thing is, they are learning. A lot of them have told me they wish they had voted differently in '05 and will not vote with their hearts next time around.