If Iran can be brought back into the world community as a full and welcome partner, it could pressure militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to end their war against Israel. That, in turn, might lead Israel to stop its devastating attacks on nearby populations, which intensify hatreds, create terrorists and horrify the world. Iran also has tremendous influence in Iraq – more, in fact, and any other country, including the US. It is the only country than can guarantee a modicum of stability in Iraq as American troops depart. Iran’s centuries-old relationship with Afghanistan means that it could also play a decisive role in calming the terrifying crisis that is engulfing that country and threatening to blow Pakistan apart. An Iran that feels safe might even agree to compromise on its nuclear programme, which much of the world justifiably fears.
