And they would benefit from the superpower's giant support .you are proudly aware of that.

Israel takes the support that is offered. So do various Arab Countries.

I am not a fan of States that are run by a dominant relgion. That is why I pray the evangelicals never really get total power in the US.

There are some countries that are run by the clergy. I am inclinded to look less favorably on those countries, especially if they espouse hatred for the relgion I have chosen.

If people prefer to have theocracy on a scaffolding of democracy..i dont see any place to oppose that.whatsmore ,your misconception of being hated because of your religion hasnot come through studying the people via reliable sources ,yet exacerbating the already critical situation in our world .its also the same vice versa.

A nation's greatness should not be defined by whether it allows its majority to dominate, but by whether it protects its minorities. Theocracies are inherently bad for people who are not part of the dominant religion.

On an unrelated note, how are things in Iran lately? I hear you guys just threw some more Baha'i folks in prison.

For Waters:

http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...hlight=Rushdie

No one could deny the problems with having a minority affiliation ,and it isnot too relevant with the type of government .remember muslims under soviet union?
However ,since 1906 iran constitution has guaranteed four parliment seats for all recognized groups ,but they were considered "Iranian habitants",not "Iranian. Under islamic republic , they are respected as Iranians, have received full citizenship right and benefit and can have their representatives in the parliment.I bet the US muslims would love to have a muslim congress wo/man.

Baha'i folks case is mostly politics related ,not religion related ,And every one will be treated the same under the law .so it makes no difference you are shia ,or jew or Baha'i ..they would put you in jail ,if proved culpable.

US Muslims are welcome to have a Muslim congressperson. He/she just has to get elected, like these two have:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Carson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_E...8politician%29

Thanks for the link .Minority candidates in Iran ,dont have to be worried about getting elected by people from the majority group.They are some insiders and would be elected just by their won people.I dont think its the same with what you have in US.

I don't think I understand what you mean about how it works in Iran.