[Vigilanteman]

Iran is the most culturally advanced country in the Islamic orbit for two reasons: (1)A quarter century of relative freedom and positive efforts at westernization before the current regime came to power under Jimmy Carter and (2)One of the most advanced civilizations in the world before forcibly converted to Islam in the eighth century.

Turkey would be a close second for very similar reasons.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Iran is the most culturally advanced country in the Islamic orbit

I think Turkey is.

[JimRed]

One of the most advanced civilizations in the world before forcibly converted to Islam in the eighth century.

An object lesson; if they'd had a bigger defense budget then...

[The Antiyuppie]

I read an interesting story, that claimed that Christianity, not fighting skills, saved England from the Vikings. The religion of the Vikings was extremely harsh, and probably one of the only religions ever created where the gods themselves die. This is not a very uplifting or positive message. The Vikings “conquered”, and then settled down in northern England, married, converted, and generally assimilated.