"That's what I said, what you gonna do about it?"

When you read a lead like this, what do you think?

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran's new president has repeated a remark from a former ayatollah that Israel should be "wiped out from the map," insisting that a new series of attacks will destroy the Jewish state, and lashing out at Muslim countries and leaders that acknowledge Israel.

If you're a BushCorp™ True Believer©, your first thought may be that this is exactly why we need to continue the war in Iraq. With crazies like this running around it's vital that we fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here.

If you're a member the the reality based community your thoughts might be different.

First you might realize that, because of the US' continuing failed venture in Iraq, our enemies are daily emboldened by the evident limitations of US military power. With every carbomb and IED explosion, the limits of just what can be done by the greatest military power the world has ever known becomes clearer.

And further, with our military already overburdened, villains the world over, from Iran to North Korea can breath easier, knowing that a battalion of marines will be far from forthcoming.

And if you're an Iranian Islamo-fascist leader, your position is especially excellent. Every US "success" (e.g. the destruction of a purported insurgent cell) solidifies your policies over that of more moderate, secular political rivals. What, did you think demagogic calls to fight for God and country only work over here?

The Iraq war also serves as a useful destination for the hot-blooded young, under-employed males of your country. Better they fight the great satan in nextdoor Iraq, than foment opposition to your medieval government in Iran.

And further, even actual US success (i.e. establishing democratic rule in Iraq) works to your benefit as well. For if Iraq sees true democratic rule, that rule is going to have a distinctly shi'ite flavor, especially in those provinces on your south western border.

So, if you're a hard-line Iranian shi'ite leader your position vis à vis the US incursion into Iraq is truly win/win. And you can continue to mouth your outrageous blather and build up your nuclear facilities with impunity.

It's not like the US is in any position to do anything about it.