It would have been legitimate to expect a different world reaction. We thought, perhaps innocently, that following the publication of the harsh indictment against Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Tuesday, that the world would demonstrate panic, anxiety, concern or at least a bit of interest. However, the world was more disturbed by the "European Spring," that claimed its second victim on Wednesday. After Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's demise on Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou followed on Wednesday. Who's next? A European leader or an Arab leader? In general, it seems as if the world is slightly more disturbed by dropping stock markets than Iranian bombs falling on Israel, even if they are nuclear. The world knows how to create build-up for a story if it is really serious. In recent years, we have seen a few examples of this: Kosovo, Iraq and, more recently, Libya. There were few reactions about Iran on Wednesday and most of them Israel could have done without. Germany and France support tightening sanctions, but reject the military option outright. Russia is generally skeptical about the report, saying it is reminiscent of the faulty intelligence from Iraq (the audacity). China, which is essentially connected by an IV to Iranian oil, cautions against military action in Iran without mentioning a word about a possible intensification of sanctions. Meanwhile, Iran, in an expression of great cynicism, called on Beijing to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. In Washington, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have apparently been preoccupied with other issues. Has anyone seen them taking hold of a microphone and reacting to the report? The world was already familiar with the content of the report before it was published. It did not require time to react. When the world wants to end a leader's reign, it knows exactly what to do. Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi earned their fates. It is no surprise that the Iranians are exuding a sense of confidence and business as usual. As far as they are concerned. Iran already has the bomb. So where will salvation come from? Ironically enough, is more likely to come from Iranian society than from the West. Internal tensions in Iran and the opposition to the Ayatollahs' regime could still surprise everyone and turn the nuclear project civilian in the end. We have one more card in our deck, and believe it or not it is the Arab card. Perhaps the West is less concerned than Israel would like, but woe to anyone who ignores Saudi Arabia's desires. There is also a price to pay for Saudi oil. Saudi Arabia has yet to say (even privately) what is on its mind. Want proof of their power? Just look at what happened in Bahrain.
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