where his civilizations, including our own

Yes, that scene has been pointed out to me in the past and I do agree with its interpretation... But I find that applying that emotion to the play as a whole is too limiting and fails to account for all of Iago's actions. I mean, it is really creepy and does suggest that he's completely obsessed with Othello... But going along with my own interpretation of the play, I would have to say that Iago is seizing on the first meaningful relationship he can allow himself. And of course, it's too perfect in his mind; he's destroying Othello's marriage with Desdemona who loves him and forging a marriage between Othello and himself, who contemns the Moor. Because Iago is racist, he does respect Othello's power, but he hates the man's emotional weakness and punishes him for it. Not that there isn't some jealousy involved, some wishing to be close... But I just don't think there's any... chemistry.