Once again a showdown between world powers is taking place on Iranian soil.  But this time, there is no pro Western Mosadegh or Shah to deal with, but rather, a radical Islamic regime that is by nature antagonistic towards ideals of liberal democracy.

What Samuel Huntington was talking about in his clash of civilizations doctrine will soon take place on the streets of Tehran and the question on everyone’s mind is, can the West win the hearts and minds of Iranians by avoiding making past mistakes or will history repeat itself? 

The good news is that unlike 1979 when radical Marxists and Islamists won the battle, this time around my money is on Liberal Democrats winning the war.