In our continuing feature, during this final week of 2001, we have been asking Arab News readers for their predictions for the New Year. Most of our respondents are not hopeful that 2002 will be any better than 2001. They worry that violence and bloodshed will continue to dominate the headlines and that any economic recovery is off in the distant future. Young or old, rich or poor, Western or Eastern, the one wish that is on everyone’s lips is, “Please God, give us peace.”
Rhadzmir Ahil, Filipino: In 2002, governments the world over should start to focus on the economy instead of politics. Too many people can’t feed their families. I don’t think it is too much of a challenge to ensure that every person on our planet has the basics such as food, shelter, clothing and education. When people have full stomachs then they are more content and there would be a lot less violence. I hope that God will help the Muslims in this time of crises to remember His teachings and have the courage to follow them.
A. Georgios, Greek: I don’t think 2002 will be better than 2001. It comes at a juncture in human history when security concerns worldwide are at new heights. Serious conflicts, especially those in the Middle East, do not seem to be on their way to a just and peaceful settlement. India and Pakistan have reopened the door on violence. The economic crises - already there before Sept. 11th — are being exacerbated in our global village. There is only one solution. For 2002, I wish for a wiser world, which would result in a safer world. My New Year’s resolution is not to succumb to pessimism, but rather to keep the-hope-for-better-times alive in my heart, and in the hearts of those around me. Hope is a virtue that I believe God instilled in man’s spirit, both as a driving force and as an act of faith by itself.
Lara Abdulmalak, Lebanese: I hope 2002 will be better than 2001, but you never know what might come up. I think however that it will be a difficult year economically, politically and security wise. In 2002, I wish that all of mankind would wake up from their slumber and look toward the less fortunate in the world, especially those who are under bombardment, and have compassion. Today I think the only thing that is missing on our planet is this sense of compassion. If we had this then none of what is going on could continue. On a more personal front, a million bucks would be a great surprise in the New Year!
George J. Barron, American: I believe that 2002 will be better than 2001 because the world has seen enough heartache and people have pulled closer together than they have been for years. More than anything I wish the New Year would bring peace to our world. Peace comes through understanding and communication so for the New Year I hope to be a better listener, communicate my thoughts and feelings clearly to family, friends and those I meet, and to try to express and show love in any way that I can.
Fawaz Al Saaed, Saudi: I believe 2002 will be better because what happened in 2001 should make governments and people think twice in their plans. Hopefully this would lead to wiser decisions. We need world peace before its too late. One leader pressing the button on one nuclear device could end it for all of us. I am planning to learn a new language in 2002. Perhaps if we could understand each other better we wouldn’t end up in these terrible global tragedies.
Atiar Rahman, Bangladeshi: I don’t see any change coming to the world in 2002. Now India and Pakistan want each other’s blood. The political problems keep continuing. Most of the fighting is happening because the powerful countries want control and they don’t care how they get it or who dies while they are reaching their goal. All I wish for in the coming New Year is that I can survive and not get caught up in the terrorism and economic crises.
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(Throughout this week Arab News will continue to feature our reader’s comments on the New Year.)
