I declare January
2014 as the beginning of long awaited Peace on Earth. For thousands of years
humans of all cultures, religions and nationalities have yearned for this
momentous event. It is finally here and firmly established. From now on, our
world is safe from the ruinous wars of the past. Living in peace and harmony is
our God-given right and whoever disturbs our lives through violent clashes is
the cause of serious injustice.
You may ask why the
Pope, the UN General Secretary, or the leaders of nations have not made the
same declaration – it’s all about perspective.
It’s true that Europe
nations have fought each other for millenniums. But on that continent in 2014,
what don’t you hear? The screeching
noise of fighter planes, the groaning of wounded soldiers, and the deafening
explosions of bombs – These sounds are no more. Silence has reigned in this
vast land for decades. The Europeans are optimistic about this new condition of
life.
The French, Germans,
English, Italians, and nearly all other European nations are friends – at least
on paper. Just a hundred years ago no one would have though this could happen.
I believe we have entered the first stage of a world event – peace in our times.
Furthermore, few of these communities are even thinking or preparing to going
to war. What’s even more amazing is that these national communities with
diverse cultural history, deep traditional roots, and distinct languages, who
conquered each other’s land in past ages, now sit down in consultation to solve
their problems. What an amazing achievement!
If we look back at
the history of the last century, many nations around the world have clashed
with modern weaponry. The first and second World Wars saw the killing of
countless of millions, and the wide-spread devastation of cities like Paris,
London, and Berlin. Starting in 1959 and lasting for sixteen years, the US army
fought the communists in the Vietnam War. In the same conflict, China was the
real enemy that the US government fought. Now these nations are allies: fully
engaged in trade, scientific exchange, and have become the top two economic
powers in the world. In 1962 China and India fought a short war over Tibet. Now
these Asian nations are striving to repair their relations, thus becoming
collaborators in bringing prosperity to their populations and Asia.
Going further into
the war history of the last century, the world bore witness to the cold war
between the US and USSR. Also of note are the Korean war, two India-Pakistan
wars, a ten-year war between Iran
and Iraq and more.
Shifting to this
century, in 2001, the US with the help of coalition forces attacked Afghanistan
in outright war. In 2003 the US invaded Iraq. All these conflicts are living
proofs that violence is not a long-term solution to human problems. Wars are
costly, leaving millions of innocent lives in shambles, poverty, and
distress.
Anywhere in our
cosmic home called Earth, there is no appetite for war between nations. This is
the new world consciousness in which leaders are allies and not enemies.
In the concluding
days of 2013, presidents, prime ministers and other leaders from over a hundred
countries gathered in South Africa to pay final homage Nelson Mandela. Mandela
passed away in December, leaving a legacy of peace, sacrifice and tolerance – sentiments
echoed by many speakers at this one-of-a-kind gathering.
This event
exemplifies the age of unity that we are entering.
The heads of state present
at the memorial were so comfortable with each other that Barack Obama, Helle
Thorning-Schmidt, and David Cameron made world headlines for taking ‘selfies.’
Many commentators laughed at these world leaders for their teen-like behaviour.
I see it differently. Taking pictures with a smart phone of yourself and those
around you is a testimony of comfort with yourself and the company you keep.
In 2013, peace talks
began with Syrian conflicts. Towards the end of last year, there were discussions
and agreements hatched by representatives from US, EU, China and Russia on the Iranian
nuclear enrichment program that calmed the nerves of some who feared Iran
building the n-bomb.
These are some of the
reasons I see the endurance of world peace. Spiritual and political leaders do
realise the world is far more stable now than it was before WWII or the cold
war. But they wouldn’t make any kind of declaration of world peace. However, decades
from now, historians will see 2014 as the beginning.
Another reason that
now is the time for everlasting peace is that the global population is sick of
war.
In the last hundred
years Americans were involved in more world conflicts than any other nation.
This year as the Afghanistan war comes to an end, a CNN poll shows how the US citizens
are discontent with the results. Some 2300 US troops were killed in this war at
the cost of over a trillion dollars. The mothers, fathers, siblings, friends,
and extended family members of each soldier lost never want another human to
have to experience this kind of personal devastation. It’s earth-shattering.
One might say that I
am an optimist to point out that the first glimmerings of World Peace are here
- I am. But only time will tell how right I am. I am not ignoring the fact that
there are still hot spots around globe for which I am very hopeful resolutions
will soon follow. I believe that justice, peace, and tranquility will prevail
and I want to share my insights with you about this fragile time. A few topics
I will pursue are:
- War is the greatest
injustice inflicted by incompetent, ambitious leaders
- A mighty force: How
enemies are becoming friends
- When conflicts in
Arab lands will be replaced by prosperity
- An everlasting
resolution of Israel and Palestinian conflict
- Tribal
reconciliations
- The future of
Europe
I hope you will join
me on this journey, and many others, at a time when the world is best poised to
bring peace and justice to our lands.
