Most of the world is headed towards either a newer form of socialism or radical islam. Isreal should never have to depend on an increasingly hostile world to say if it is "okay" to defend itself or attack a country that, if able, would attempt to destroy it. now I'm not saying ISR should attack Iran tomorrow but if Iran continues down the road they're on we might see that happen.
We are in Iraq for our interests and the interests of stability in the region. If other EU countries don't want to play for the same reason France doesn't.. so be it. They don't make decisions based on the best interest of our country so why should we be beholden to them? f**k em... do what we need to.
Your analysis of the global political situation is IMO incorrect.
There is more democracy today in the world than 30 years ago, or 20 years ago.
The problem is when we in the Western Civilization fails to deal with the Muslim world, and uses imperialistic approaches, perhaps out of old habit, instead of using diplomacy.
The Western Civilization have great relations with Saudi Arabia, despite them being Muslim Extremists, wahabbism being the islamic form used there. Why is that?
Could it be that the Western Civilization has always been forced to use diplomacy, because Saudi Arabia has such tremendous wealth?
Despite Saudi Arabia being Muslim extremists, they're still allies of the USA, and especially of the Bush family.
Slowly, women's rights are making progress in Saudi Arabia as well, BTW. A country where women have no right to vote, and other medieval traditions.
One more thing. Countries all around the world have nuclear plants. Why shouldn't Iran be allowed to have nuclear power?
The day you shut down all the nuclear plants in UK, in USA, in Sweden and the rest of the world, then I can definitely support sanctions against countries developing nuclear energy plants.
My suggestion would be to send European and US nuclear scientists to Iran and help them. Also, EU and USA should offer help in designing and building the power plants.
-Hedge