Which is very disturbing considering the disastrous ramifications of such a campaign for the Middle East and the world. Even as the region is battling the terrible effects of the conflict in Iraq, not to talk of the impact on global economy, this reckless talk of Iran invasion is most disconcerting.

But Iran cannot escape its own responsibility for this dangerous conflagration. The regime's lopsided priorities and incredibly irresponsible rhetoric, especially by President Ahmedinejad, haven't really won Iran many friends in the international community. What's the point of this persistent talk about wiping out Israel? What's the point of this absurd drama over nuclear enrichment? Clearly, Ahmedinejad is playing to the gallery at home. But this is depriving Iran of the vital support of the international community that is keen to see Iran's nuclear issue resolved peacefully.

By harping on the Holocaust, Israel and declaring Iran a member of the 'nuclear club', Iran's leaders are playing into the hands of the neocons and powerful Zionist lobby. Like red rag to a bull, Iran is daring its enemies to attack it. Is it any wonder then the talk of an imminent Iran attack is taken seriously by the world?

The world community respects Iran's right to defend itself and protect its sense of self-respect. However, Iran should do so in the best possible ways, not by joining the nuclear club. Without getting into the debate if Iran is indeed working towards acquiring nukes, we must point out that military power is no guarantee to power or political survival. Look at what happened to Soviet Union. It had a huge pile of nukes and state-of-the-art weapons to match those of the US. But they couldn't save it from breaking up after the Afghan adventure which led to a terrible internal turmoil. On the other hand, Japan and Germany, the big players of the WWII, do not have any WMD. Yet they are considered more powerful than Russia because they have economic muscle. Iran needs to learn from these examples. Instead of running after the nuclear mirage, the Islamic republic should pay attention to the real and more immediate problems of its people, who are the real power of a nation.  Real economic progress, not military muscle, can enhance Iran's profile in the comity of nations.