The world is rushing towards the new year, with rapid steps. Neither the issues encountered in diplomatic relations, dichotomies nor the contradictions can slow down the desire to move into the future. The economic slowdown, crises or depression cannot slow this down. On the other hand, the cultural problems and conflicts do not affect the passage of time. Historty flows on, full speed ahead to the future. The fourth quarter of the year is nearly up. Does 2012 still hold incomplete and constantly unanswered questions? I would like to focus on the answer to this riddle.
The hustle and bustle that has been experienced for centuries is still on the agenda today. Gifts are given and resolutions made. As in each new year, mankind is happy, hopeful and setting new targets. The new year is greeted with many preparations and celebrations. All to applaud the fact that the world is one year older. Doubtlessly, the world has done as expected, the sun has risen for 365 more days, deserving of a new year. Is this the case for the countries of the world? Even for the countries that have not facilitated justice and rained down suffering upon the people? Have they completed their missions successfully?
A quick look at the world reveals that many governments and statesmen have created places that are not deserving, in which injustice rules supreme. Will these countries also welcome the new year? Do they deserve for the sun to rise upon a land of inhumane injustice? Not hearing the crying children, managing an atmosphere of cruelty, further igniting the pain of the masses, do they really deserve a new year? This is one of the questions that we should consider before the new year.
Undoubtedly, 2012 has seen many diplomatic, political and cultural and socio-economic developments in the two hemispheres and 7 continents. Each of the 7 billion human beings on the planet has a different pain, a different joy and a different story. This patchwork brings a unique harmony of colours. But; Does The Whole World Experience The New Year Equally?
Some had a red year, filled with war, pain, suffering, economic crises and suppression. Some had a white year; using the mechanisms of hegemony that they hold and their sphere of influence, brought hope to the world. Some had a blue year, with technology, innovation and limited production capacities. Others had a grey year; the areas commanded by suffering had a hungry, thirsty and sickly time; the colour of the areas forgotten by the rest of the world, even when there was no way to ask for help. This harmony of the continents formed a spectrum of global understanding, covering justice, science, the economic and cultural dimensions. This appraisal opens a windows on to the incomplete humanity of 2012.
The Middle East is a region tired of conflict. 2012 has pushed justice to the limit in the Middle East, causing bloodshed and deterioration. The hegemonic countries were let in extending their hands and aid came too late. As everyone know, these lands have a history of bloodshed. Since the beginning of the year, Syria was number one on the agenda. The internal conflicts, lack of justice, suffering of the people and internal dynamics of the administration spread to the entire country. It was not easy to perceive or comprehend, as blood and pain that shakes the conscience itself became widespread.
The diplomatic and social issues were not taken seriously enough to provide a solution for Syria or even allow the resistance of the people to spread its message. Telling the story of the current situation in Syria is an extraordinary endeavour. The situation is long and bloody. Yes, Assad’s power is waning, leading to the development of different viewpoints in different countries. The resistance has been going on for almost 20 months.
The truth is that Assad still holds sway over a large part of Syria, however the regime is weakening. The most important support came from Turkey. However, Turkey’s suggestion of forming a transitive government and garnering the support of the people by the Syria national council was mostly unsuccessful. The Syrian revolution coalition for the opposition forces was established in Qatar. The organization is led by a liberal cleric. The UK, France and Turkey recognize the coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. This was the windows opening upon the world.
On the other side, what did the hegemonic power of the USA have to say? How did Syria reflect in Obama’s point of view? We actually talked about this many times before. A clear opinion was formed. There is no doubt that chemical weapons were being underlined, as well as the possibility that Syria would be taken over by Al Qaeda. Therefore, it is certain that the USA supported the revolution and the end of the Assad regime, unless it stopped the persecution of the people. Although many do not support the revolution, it is good news for this part of the Middle East.
The world focused on the apparent approach of Turkey to continue the war in Syria by proxy, through Qatar and Saudi Arabia, distancing itself from a direct intervention. Looking from the Israel and Palestinian perspective, another region carved in pain and suffering; Palestine was trying to hold on, while Israel followed its usual policy of showing its fist. The unending attacks continued late into 2013, with a hail of missiles from the sky.
This was open war, with injustice, inequity and pain. The iron dome system; Palestine, apart from its losses in all the attacks, was not able to defend itself against Israel in this war. Why? Because one of every three missiles launched was destroyed in flight by Israel’s Iron Dome defence system. An interesting system and undoubted requirement. However, if this system is held by only one side, the system is not very fair. On the other hand, the thousands of casualties…
Without doubt, these conditions led to a huge amount of pain, which I am sad to talk about. The Middle East had a grey year, defined by the wars and the bleak perspective of humanity, of the civilians. This was the political reflection of the world agenda, defined by many political and diplomatic perspectives. Did we deserve 2012? I think that the answer to this question is coloured by the anguish in our hearts. The other colours, the positive colours symbolising the scientific, technological and cultural advancements bringing hope to humanity, will be discussed in another article…
