What's really at stake with the Iran nuclear deal?

In a region often beset by conflicts, with hardliners at home and abroad working against it, the odds are high against the success of the American strategy and the Iran deal.

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has turned the deal into a partisan issue in the midst of a presidential election campaign, in which it will undoubtedly play a major part.

Leading US Democrat Congressmen have gone rogue against their administration, voicing opposition to the deal. Advocates on both sides are now raising the specter of war as the sure results of their opponents' plans. Can pictures of mushroom clouds be far behind?

Arrayed against the deal opponents are the powerful interests of the international business community, now impatiently chomping at the bit to get into Iran's virtually untapped market.

Nearly every major western country has recently sent trade missions to Iran in anticipation of sanctions being lifted. Representatives included major international oil companies, banks, and manufacturers. Their enormous influence and immense wealth will weigh heavily in resolving the issue.

A surprising announcement came that may hint at trending opinions in Europe: Yesterday Switzerland became the first country in the world to lift sanctions on Iran, in support of the nuclear deal.

For the President's supporters, the deal holds real promise for the creation of a partnership of former adversaries united against terror.

If it proves successful, the world may finally have cause to breathe a sigh of relief, but as nearly everyone involved agrees, the outcome is still far from certain.