>>What do you mean, "barring an attack by - or on - Iran"? Perhaps it is my defficient knowledge of English, but to me that sounds as if the possibility is quite remote. I don't think this is the case.
>
>I meant that it should not be brought into the equation.


To the extent that the U.S. invasion of Iraq has increased instability throughout the Middle East, and hardened anti-U.S. sentiment throughout the Arab world, I don't know that we have a choice any more about what should or should not be brought into the equation. The situation is no longer contained (if it ever was).