WHAT WAS there in our world in 2024 to remember with longing and fondness? And pray, what promise does 2025 hold for us?
From all indications, the world is in turmoil…far more than it has always been. In the eternal struggle between love and peace, war and pestilence, freedom of thought and deeds, the autocratic rule of one who dictates the whims of an unbridled mind.
Mankind of all colors and creed, Christian Templars, Muslim (Shiite and Sunni imams), activists, terrorists, corrupt public servants (in suit, armor or uniform), scammers and plain thieves – all have, in their own despicable ways, contributed to the confused garbled mix of our political woes. And the government, in whatever structure, shaky and unstable, can never translate to a contented people governed. There will always be adverse voices and shrill demonstrations of civil discontent. What is happening to our world?
With electronic technology swiftly bridging the gap of telecommunications, there is hardly any world event that is not captured by TV coverage, radio and social media. And the constant focus is the Middle East where the dry humid desert air fuels and flames discord.
Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Iran, and lately Syria, have all undergone violent overthrow of despotic rulers by momentarily untested successors who, in turn, are likewise replaced in a merry-go-round of baseless proportions.
Apparently, no suitable leader in these volatile climes can serve with the assurance of public support and continuity nor sit with comfort on the golden throne. Indeed, time and again, history has proved…uneasy is the head that wears the crown.
It is because of this incessant political upheaval that has failed to unite the country and hampers cultural, social and economic growth. The security and well-being of citizens, visitors and tourists (domestic or international) cannot be assured. So, trip lightly, stranger.
It is not good travel advertisement to be shot and killed in the streets. Travel, because of its perils, has thus been banned, leaving the countryside as desolate and forlorn as its desert and sand dunes.
And our world, as diverse as its perplexing uncompromising people, is getting smaller every day. It is a strange enigma that befalls us. Modern times have brought incredible advancements in science and electronics.
Medicine, farming and industry, everything and everywhere, significant modifications have uplifted our lives yet a vast majority has remained illiterate, miserable and uncared for, eating grass. What an irony!
There is too much to argue and disagree about the state of our world today. Violence, death and destruction everywhere, bombs falling in unending clusters, rocket fire lighting up the sky like a giant Christmas tree, buildings a-crumble, roads ruined in shambles. I pray all of these terrible sights remain buried in the past of 2024. And the new year 2025 keeps its promise.
One thing is certain, though, the morn will break…and a new day will dawn upon us./PN
