[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[niteowl77]

Does anyone remember the loud wailing from the left over the insensitivity of the Shah as well as the brutality of SAVAK? I can recall it quite clearly.

Why isn't the left (specifically the fourth estate flavor) taking on the insensitivity of the mullahs and the brutality of their Arab stormtroopers? Forget Jayson Blair and Howell Raines- those are just two PC jerk-offs caught with their hands in the cookie jar, publicly paraded to show how journalism has "cleaned their own house." Sure. The rest of the lot are still plying their hypocritical trade, and still championing "freedom" buffet-style.

As usual, Steyn stands out in stark contrast.

[BOBTHENAILER]

I'll wager there are more than a few quiet-life mullahs weighing the options. Iran is not a one-man cult like Saddam's Iraq, and many imams, whether ''conservative'' or ''liberal,'' can recognize the smell of death percolating from the head office.

Tick, tick, tick,.......the end times are coming, the mullahs are packing. Saudi plane reservations are filling all seats, some may get bumped. Just my humble opinion.

[wife-mom]

Rafsanjani said last year that on the day the Muslim world gets nuclear weapons the Israeli question will be settled forever "since a single atomic bomb has the power to completely destroy Israel,.."

So many bitter responses came to mind when I read this but the magnificent Steyn's opening sentence will suffice: IT'S MULLAH TIME!

[Tacis]

Steyn hands the democraps ammunition in a reminder of Bush's most major failure as President, the thing he has done that most negatively reflects on his capability and judgment. He has allowed Richard Boucher to continue to be State Department spokesman.

Every time I see Boucher at State Department briefing, I see him spouting Willie's lies. How can Bush (or anyone) trust him. If Bush has screwed up anywhere, it is allowing Boucher to stay where he is. I think he could serve the country better on third shift in Botswana.

[WL-law]

The only question is which of the European models applies: the Czech version, where the old monsters are civilized enough to perform one real service for their people by handing power over peacefully; the Romanian version, where the saner elements in the ruling party decide to remove the leadership and hope that's enough to assuage their subjects; the Bulgar version, where the former Royal Family returns from exile to spearhead a new democracy .

At first read of the "Bulger" version I wondered if Steyn was talking about South Boston Mass!! You know, a ruling system where one brother runs the organized crime syndicate and the other brother runs the government through an iron fist.

[Tamzee]

Steyn nailed it dead-on...

Our adorable freedom-loving left and certain snooty Europeans are either quietly or openly supporting these rotten mullahs and some members of our State Dept want the students to lose the revolution. WHY does Bush have to keep members in the State Dept that are undermining his foreign policy?

[Gritty]

Steyn, as usual, puts perspective on the situation.

[Paul_B]

Oh, my. But what about the Palestinian right of return?

Steyn really nailed it there, brilliantly.

I see that the WSJ has taken notice of Mark. Makes sense - I've finally figured out whose writing his reminds me of - Paul Gigot, during the 90s. Great stuff, indeed.

pb

[gcruse]

One reason to get on board with these guys is because it would be best for all of us if the theocracy fell quickly. The former Soviet republic of Georgia has had its scientists beavering away on Iraq's nuclear program for several months. Yes, folks, it's WMD all over again!

I think there is a mistake.  Shouldn't that be Iran's nuclear program?