There's one thing i have never really understood and that is why Iran has taken such an antagonistic stand against Israel - why do they apparently hate Israel so much. They have no border issues with the country, no issues of oil, water, economic competition, no security issues. Not so much as a sheep has been taken from Iran. Why have the Iranians developed such a solidarity with Palestinians, more so than many Arab states have done, when they don't really like the Arabs that much - and have actually had wars against them (Iraq) ? Are they ingrained with a higher level of Anti Semitism than other muslim nations ? I don't believe this last one becasue the largest Jewish population in the Middle East outside of Isreal is in Iran, and there are 8 Synagogues in Teheran and Jewish representation in the Parliament of Iran. Or is it that Israel were very chummy with the Shah, but then many other countries were as well. So what is the real issue ?