Iran . . . From a cradle of civilization to a state sponsor of terrorism, it's been a political hot spot not just for decades, but for thousands of years. Now, the urgent issue for Western nations is the extent of Iran's nuclear capabilities. Is Iran developing an atomic bomb? If so, should we do something to stop it? Who is "we," and precisely what would "something" be? And how much would "something" cost, and to whom?To begin to understand the dynamics at play in these urgent questions, it helps to trace the events of Iran's past. This brief, digestible timeline for both amateurs and experts is written with the voice of over forty years of experience years in the US Intelligence Community, giving special emphasis to the past few decades and recent events. Come journey with us through the kaleidoscope of Iran's past to explore the challenges that face today's Western nations.