In the case of Iran. On the one hand we are talking about extremists. On the other we are talking about politicians who are a little more savvy and practical (at least then the extremists). Even those in Iran.

If we've learned one thing from the last decade (especially when it comes to elections), courting a more extreme than moderate group of people can sometimes be a necessity to maintain power. In the case of Iran, you're dealing with a group of very closed-minded individuals (who view most things western as evil) with an extreme idology. I have a feeling that those in power, especially the president of Iran, doesn't want nuclear war more than anyone else.

With Israel being the only nuclear power in the region (and somehow they always forget Pakistan), I'm sure the people of Iran feel threatened. I'm also sure the leaders there want to maintain that fear in order to get away with actions that would normally be protested or investigated. And so they play a game with the US and the UN in order to maintain a pressure and fear on everyone. Iran definitely wants nuclear weapons, but only as leverage.

The leaders of Israel won't use nuclear weapons. Neither will the current leadership of Iran. It's in neithers' interest to do so. But it is in both their interests to be able to maintain that threat and the illusion of willingness to do so. If you have a gun and everyone knows you won't use it, you might as well be packing a pigeon.

The Iranian people are a very patriotic people that are moved by the fear that the West will come in and wipe out or at least taint their faith and culture. Fear and patriotism are two of the most powerful forces to move a people. But they can both be manipulated and the effects can be horrific (the Nazis being a perfect example).

For those looking for an End-Of-The-World scenario I think they will be dissappointed. There will be always be great disasters (the recent Tsunami). There will be horrific attacks made upon innocent people (9/11). Even devastating failures of our technology (the power outage on the east coast). But we are adaptive. Usually we run a little behind but we eventual catch up and adapt to whatever situation arises.

As far as keeping people aware and prepared, well there will be people that are prepared and those that aren't. And you can't use a constant threat of fear to make them prepared. But take the case of Florida and the last few years of hurricanes (I've been here since Charley). The first one hits and everyone is caught unawares. The second one, everyone is over prepared. Then people find a balance and the preparation just becomes apart of your life. Luckily since Andrew, the building codes now in place are designed to meet the needs of a hurricane prone area. New Orleans had no such codes. You can bet your ass that won't be the case in the future.

I myself am a bit of a pessimist. Which means, if there is one think I love, it's to be wrong. And if I'm right? I'm just a little more prepared.