The Spider’s Web

The secretary general of the Arab League once warned that a war in Iraq would open "the door to hell." As hundreds of civilians die in the Middle East each week, the US struggles to control Iraq, Europe waits on the sidelines and Israel remains anxious about its long-term survival. As the world grows weary with conflict, Iran patiently waits. Even without nuclear bombs in hand, Iran, largely Shiite, has established itself as a major power in an Islamic world dominated by Sunnis. The US destabilized Iran’s major enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan – and the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries with large Shiite populations and oil reserves, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. World powers have little choice but to attack Iran’s nuclear-research facilities or engage in careful diplomacy. Without formally entering any conflict, Iran inches toward establishing Islamic control over a region rich in oil and vital to international economic security. – YaleGlobal