The document discusses several countries and regions around the world: The Americas could become an unparalleled global power if North and South America collaborated more on oil and ethanol resources. However, North America has taken South and Central America for granted. In the 1970s, growing discontent in Iran due to the Shah's spending on US weapons led to a revolution that transformed Iran from an American ally. India's influence declined after British rule but it aims to be a "twin tower of democracy" with the US. A 2004 tsunami boosted trade through India from Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Burma has become isolated under military rule and increasingly within China's sphere of influence due to its