Iran's call to 'wipe Israel off the map' failed to elicit much response throughout the Middle East. That's a good sign. One Palestinian negotiator even said:
"We have recognized the state of Israel, and we are pursuing a peace process with Israel, and ... we do not accept the statements of the president of Iran," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. "This is unacceptable."
Any form of condemnation - even one as restrained as Erekat's - would have been unthinkable a few years ago and likely would not have happened if Arafat were still breathing. Sharon's recent moves, including his pullout from Gaza (and despite this week's setbacks), have indicated Israel's intention of moving toward a two-state solution, a solution that robs all but the most hardened anti-Semites of their anti-Israel furor.
On the other hand, Ahmadinejad's hateful call signals Iran's intent to sink further into theocratic isolation and diplomatic solitude. Those waiting for the Iranian students to propel Iran toward moderation and liberty are bound to be disappointed. The mullahs knew what they were doing when they picked Ahmadinejad, and the wait for progress is bound to be years, if not decades.