Nuclear-armed Iran was not seen as such a problem under the Shah. Now it is a major concern for the other Gulf States, Lebanon, Egypt and the whole region plus energy supplies of the West. Making Israel smaller and less defensible is a distraction from a strategic challenge for Europe’s existential needs — its energy supply. Gaining energy independence in a world of declining and therefore ever more precious oil/gas supplies should be the West’s and the world’s prime goal. Global ecology cannot support the idea that oil is a free lunch. (http://www.schuman.info/diplomacy1.htm) The best way to help would be for Europe and other countries to mount a major alternative energy programme. This would deflate the Iranian balloon and other problems such as energy blackmail by religio-political/ economic cartels too.