Age of uncertainty
The 21st century, within nine years of its inception, has presented the modern civilization with formidable challenges -- Nature takes its own tolls!
The rich West has to learn some lessons; mostly it is a process of unlearning -- not to be ruled by Mammon. Now a debate is going on whether the mighty US Dollar would be rendered impotent.
Now the industrialized countries (G-8) have agreed (in principle) to accept the challenges of global warming by a rise of two degrees Centigrade in the coming decades; and have agreed to control emissions by 20 per cent by 2050 (or, is it 80 per cent?). Formerly the rich industries were worried about the lowering of the average standard of living (without bothering for a comparative study in the Third World). Sea-rise in the coastal areas is a greater threat in the LDCs, affecting about a billion of marginalized families.
Then ( especially in the Middle East), the Muslims are being spiritually punished for lack of unity -- the Shia-Sunni conflict; with no silver lining on the distant horizon. The Israel-Palestine issue is more than political: it is a sort of divine test (for both the sides). The solution would appear when the time comes.
Meanwhile the so-called al-Qaeda/ Taliban movement of suicide bombing is spreading, regardless of religious or economic boundaries. What is the message between the lines? Politics has failed to deliver. This is a man-made science; and Time is a great tester.
What is the role of the USD? We know about the past, and the panicky present; and await the verdict within the current decade. The changes coming would be irreversible, because the civilization is due for a change. Obama is the advance warning.
What about tiny Bangladesh? Grooved, localized politics, myopic vision, suffering from dynasty virus. The two leaders should not decide the fate of 160 million people: clinging on hope.
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