Random observations

The new Pope is a place holder. The conclave clearly didn't want to allow any radical thought to upset the status quo, which is a conservative interpretation of the doctrine that John Paul II upheld. There will be nothing new from the Vatican for a while and it it too bad as the church could do much more good for the world with a progressive agenda.

Iran is being seen as a gold mind by European countries who are investing there big time. US santions there are not supported by other countries and it seems that economic forces will better lead this country to a western type of government than any military threat. Iran is a big and potentially rich country so it might be better to invite them in to the western economy than try to hold them back.

Adaven