down U.S. missions in the region? No, I don't think the U.S. can afford to do that. I think the U.S. -- along with a diverse group of other countries -- has a role to play in the region. The stakes, economically and politically, are of course higher for some countries -- say, NATO or the European Union or countries of influence in the region, like Brazil -- but it's workable, and it's important. I think we need to look at countries like Canada, Spain, Italy, Australia, Sweden, and South Korea, which have political and economic interests of their own, but also have a collective interest, through the UN or otherwise, to help a country that's just gone through the throes of a revolution reach its ultimate goals. It's difficult, costly, and risky -- but it's worth the effort. Ken Taylor was the Canadian ambassador to Iran from 1977-1980. He achieved international fame by risking his life to help save six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979. After returning from Iran, Taylor was appointed Canadian Consul-General to New York City, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and was awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal.