To w00t: I invite you to read A brief history of Iran-US relations. Iran was only the first of many democracies in which the US organized coups, replacing fairly-elected governments with dictators more favorable to US interests.

Sorry, inaccurate link. Should be Think Muslims Support Terror?
In case the link doesn't work again, here 'tis:
http://masbury.wordpress.com/2007/02/24/think-muslims-support-terror-check-this-out/

I wonder if it's important to bear in mind that terrorists are a tiny minority of Muslims. In fact, Muslims generally are less likely to condone violence against civilians than are Americans, considered as a group. See Think Muslims Support Terror?

Interesting additional map at Iraq demography. Shia are, apparently, largely Arabs in Iraq, but Persians in neighboring Iran.

Wait a minute - are the Shia in eastern Iraq Arabs? I really doubt it. Check out A Brief History of Iran-US Relations, Part 1: Constitution to Khatami.