COME 14

At last 2013 is fading away, giving way to 2014. We always hope and pray at the end of every year that the next year will be different for good. Yes, year to year things differ. Some years prove to be good for humanity while some others leave an ugly imprint on humankind. 13 has not been very good. We saw many flashpoints in the world, some of which are still raging. Worst of all at the moment is South Sudan where more than 600 persons have been reportedly killed and the country is fast descending into the whirlpool of civil war. Ukraine, where people have been protesting against the government for not signing a deal with the EU, is still hot. Thailand is particularly bad and things don’t seem to be improving anytime soon. Bangladesh is experiencing a very bad phase in her history, with party in opposition boycotting the elections scheduled for early next year and people out on streets. Russia is faced with chances of disruption of forthcoming Winter Games at Sochi as two powerful explosions by suicide bombers have killed 33 people in Volgograd area past week. It seems to be the handiwork of Chechen militants who have been a constant source of trouble for the Russian Federation. Then there was that powerful typhoon Haiyan in Philippines resulting in more than 4500 deaths and colossal loss of property. Iraq, where dictator Saddam Hussein was removed hasn’t been the same again. Afghanistan and Pakistan are bearing the brunt of terrorism. It is like their own gun has turned the barrel towards its owner. They have been compelled to taste what they intended for others. Egypt, as usual, is on the boil. One is tempted to think that after all the Arab Spring wasn’t a very bright one. Many of the countries where the Arab Spring really sprang, have now been burning for years. Just look at Egypt and Libya. Heads of States overthrown by the people in these countries had at least kept their respective countries under control. And whoever said that democracy is the best form of government? It doesn’t suit every group of people. As George Bernard Shaw said, “Democracy is a device that ensures you are governed no better than you deserve.” How true! Democracy is not for every country. In many developing countries it is sham democracy which is on display for the world. 

Aside major international affairs, common man in India has seen steep rise in crimes in 2013. Price Index has also risen northwards, especially in the last six months of the year.

Not all has been bad and there have been many good events also. Now let us hope that as we enter the new year, there is wisdom, prudence, compassion and understanding among people and we end the next year on a better note.