The entire geopolitical system is now enmeshed with Middle East issues. Mideast stability is the absolute key to peaceful global progress, both economic and social, as well as to the future of many world leaders and their policies.

Conversely, the continued undermining of stability throughout the region spells more terrorism, more disruption worldwide and, certainly, a dramatic reduction in energy security, leading the major powers to compete with increasing frenzy for oil and gas supplies from elsewhere as they struggle to reduce Mideast dependence.

All this is immensely dangerous for global harmony and confirms how absolutely essential it is for all responsible nations to work together and play their full part in gripping the hydra-headed Mideast problem in all its fast-changing and baffling complexity.