Nice diary Alexander and backed with a variety of sources.  But I'm not buying.  The US would have to dump a whole lot of iron on Iran (or more than several unlikely nukes) to make much difference. More than a couple of carrier groups can muster.  Iran is not Iraq.  I also don't see the common Shia connection as particularly important.  

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears