The issue is now greatly confused by so called "patriots" trying to remove an invader. It would be almost impossible to define what is behind much of what is happening at present.
As much as I believe democracy would be good for Iraq, I cannot blame certain sections of the Iraqi people for wanting us out of their country. I would do the same if anyone were to invade my country, but I wouldn't necessarily put it down to my "machismo". Each and every case would need to be judged on it's merits.
All of the above notwithstanding I personally feel that there is a possibility of machismo playing at least some part in the continuance of hostilities. Give a man a gun, and a cause, and people can behave in strange and unpredictable ways.
Yeah - but my question to you was does Iran qualify under your 'machismo in the middle east scenario' ? Machismo or Extreme Danger?