...how it would look if its citizens could throw off the stiffling effect of a totalitarian fundamentalist theocracy and achieve their full potential.

Cheers.

End ur myths about Iran, Iran is not a totalitarian governement, yes the Majlis have the last say but there are options.

No myth, Herc, the mullahs theological rigidity prevents Iran's economy achieving its full potential. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/08/opinion/edstern.php

Internet is full of travel diaries - check them and be prepared to get suprised by the fact that the Average Iranian does not hate Americans, and actually there are plenty of Americans who have been travelling there. It´s maybe not too wise to keep too much voice about being American there, but what I have read and been told, the Iranians actually like Americans and many admire American freedom and while official face of the Iran is very anti-US and anti-semite, thats not like that in the grass root level... in my opinion, anti-semitism has much stronger presence than anti-americanism but what I have learned after talking to these people is the fact that the average Russian is more anti-semite and anti-American... but this is just my impression gotten from rather few experiences and readings. Anyway, more I learn about Iran and Persian people, more I like them and hope the best for them... while more I learn about Arabs, the stronger my dislike becomes...Iranians should be our allies.

The Iranians are good people - I agree with you there. As for the Arabs, before judging them remember the Arab world is almost as diverse as Europe. Sure, some of them are the most rude, arrogant pr*cks you will meet (eg Iraqi refugees) but there are many (eg native Jordanians) who are the nicest people in the universe who, no matter their standing in life, will bend over backwards to help you.

Cheers.

.. is very vivid and interesting. They make a lot of good music, although when talking about the more extreme music they are limited to instrumental stuff. Every prog (a la Satriani, Dream theater etc) fan should check Farzad Golpayegani´s music for example. Excellent technical metal with eastern influences.