Will 2002 be better than 2001? That’s the question we asked Arab News readers for our continuing feature coming up to the New Year. Sadly, the majority of our readers believe that once again in 2002 we are all in for a tough time. People have no confidence that reports of violence and economic upheavals will diminish soon. Young or old, rich or poor, Western or Eastern, the one wish that is on everyone’s lips is, "Please God give us peace."
Annam Lal, Indian: I believe that 2002 has much to offer us. With the recent developments in Afghanistan, I hope that the Afghani people will strive hard to restore peace and prosperity in their country. Tensions are very high between the Palestinians and the Israelis. It is time for these two peoples to work for peace and put an end to the brutal killings and violence. Concerning my motherland, India, I hope that the Indian government will be able to settle its differences and secure friendly relations with neighboring countries. Above all, I would like the Indian government to aim for the emancipation of women, and for the curtailing of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. In the coming year I would also like to see the countries of the world joining hands to combat terrorism. With the increasing awareness of the negative impact of terrorist attacks, people must realize that religion is a matter that should be kept within our hearts. Religion must never be used as a weapon of destruction or hatred. We should welcome the New Year with prayers, seeking the blessings of the Almighty for a better, peaceful year ahead.
Flora Bueno, Filipina: I hope that 2002 will be better than 2001. I don’t want things to continue as they have been during this year. In 2001 the war in Afghanistan has been in the news so much but we need to pay more attention to what is happening in the world’s economy. If the economy doesn’t improve, disadvantaged peoples will become restive and more trouble and violence will start. For myself I hope that I will do well in my job in the New Year. I want to help my family all that I can. I miss them so much. I must trust that God will take care of us all, keep us in good health, and give us the blessings we deserve.
Hekmat Eid Ahmed, Egyptian: I don’t think 2002 will be better and I am not alone. This is the consensus. The wars and fighting are continuing and there is no peace. Only when the wars stop forever will there be happiness.
Safa Al Ahmad, Saudi: If history is any indication, 2002 will be worse than 2001. This year has marked the death of the illusion of democracy, freedom, justice, and the almighty freedom of the press. The freedom fighter has become the terrorist, the terrorist has been hailed as a freedom fighter, and the screams of the innocent have been twisted into battle cries. As far as I know the world’s leaders are not changing this month, so in 2002 it will just be more of the same. I wish I could turn on the TV without hearing or seeing a derogatory remark towards a minority — Arabs and Muslims being the flavor of the past year. In light of all the above, I promise to try and stay sane, but like my many New Years resolutions in the past, I am sure that this one too will soon be broken.
Khaleefa Abdulrasheed, Egyptian: I don’t think that 2002 will be better than 2001. All around the world there isn’t any indication it will be better. There are wars everywhere. Everyone is fighting. Globally, none of our leaders are working for peace. Every country is willing to sanction violence somewhere. In the New Year I’m going to stop watching the headlines and put my mind on improving my business. If I do that, maybe at the end of 2002 I will be able to see some improvement over 2001.
Saif K. Koch, German: I am optimistic that 2002 will be better than 2001. The world leaders must realize that not everything can be handled by force. 2001 had so many wakeup calls and people must change. They must think, come closer together, talk and not fight. It is necessary that we work to find compromises for disadvantaged peoples throughout the world. Wealth must be shared and religion should not be used for negative purposes. I hope that the world will come to know that Islam is a peaceful, merciful religion, which clearly sets out what is right and wrong. Islam should not be used as a cover up or to gain power in political situations. I am not naïve. I know that all the fires that are burning in this world at this moment cannot be extinguished at once. But I do believe that the calls of the Year 2001 can’t be ignored.
(Throughout this week Arab News will feature its readers’ comments on the New Year)
