We reached again, and quite fast, alas, the threshold of a new year. Nations across the globe celebrate this occasion with much jubilation, usually hoping that the new year will bring positive changes in the lives of peoples and better relations among nations.
The year that has just ended had its more or less customary ups and downs, witnessing natural catastrophes in many parts of the world and the miraculous escape of Chilean miners after a long ordeal underground, rescue celebrated across the world.
The April oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, on the other hand, may have topped the list of disasters this year.
Passengers trapped at airports - because of the Icelandic volcanic ash and, more recently, because of severe snowstorms - are part of this year’s overall picture, proving, once again, man’s helplessness in the face of nature.
On the political and economic fronts, there have been no major achievements. The world economy, ours included, showed a few timid signs of recovery, but these stayed just that, with no major buttressing or spectacular revival. Even if some countries were doing better, bailing out industries or other nations took a toll, eclipsing any progress.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict seemed to be getting a boost when direct negotiations between the two began, only to end in utter failure because of Israel’s defiance of international law and community.
In Lebanon, the international tribunal mandated to look into the assassination of prime minister Rafik Hariri split, again, the country, while in Iraq, after almost 10 months of uncertainty and haggling, Nouri Maliki finally succeeded in forming a government, just a few days ago.
Afghanistan is still torn by war and violence, a situation from which the US seeks to extricate itself, and Iran is threatening by its nuclear programme.
Acts of terrorism have increased, with scores of innocent people falling prey to ruthless individuals who have no respect for human life.
Relations between Washington and Moscow warmed up in the wake of the approval of the START programme, limiting the number of warheads and coming up with effective means of inspecting nuclear sites.
Global warming was tackled, but no immediate solution seems to be in sight, which should give way to no smaller worries than the global economy.
WikiLeaks will probably go down in history as the biggest happening of the year, proving, above all, that technology is not infallible.
All the above, and more, will accompany us into the new year and will have to be tackled. But, more importantly, the quality of human life, progress in the fight against diseases, and uplifting the marginalised and disadvantaged among us should be of main concern.
It is hope for better tidings that keeps most of us in a joyous spirit on the occasion of the new year.
And, hopefully, the days ahead will still surprise us and make it a great and happy year.
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