CriticalRealist

This is very good news, and I agree with this excerpt in its entirety!

No, you did not make a mistake. Just live your life rationally and selfishly. Your brother will attempt to reconcile many of his religious views with your exemplary behavior, especially if your atheism is the only reason he considers you worthy of ostracism. If you are too far apart on the fundamentals of existence, then you'll both come to accept your separation, though your acceptance is far more important than his.

It seems that Sowell's individualism (if it can be called that) is ultimately incompatible with Objectivism. Thanks for making that clear, MisterSwig and Zeus.

No. We have too many resources tied up in Iraq. Our actions against Iran will be more covert.