The Year That Was...

It's that time of the year again!! Another year is coming to a close and many of us are already looking forward to the year that is on the horizon. Most of us have already made our new year resolutions while some will stop and reflect on the time that flew by at break-neck speed. Amidst all the planning to bring in the new year with a bang there hopes, dreams, wishes....expertly woven in the celebrations with people ready to move forward and achieve bigger and better things for themselves. When I look back at the year that was 2011, I also had hopes, dreams and certain wishes that needed to be fulfilled; some by sheer hard work and some left to destiny and although destiny was not completely on my side, I have not let go of that hope, for those unfulfilled dreams have spilled over my new wish list.


As I glance over some of the websites that have devoted themselves to looking at the year past, I can't help but realize that there was a lot that has happened. From revolutions in Egypt that led a dictator to step down to relentless pursuit of Libyans to rid themselves of the terror of Ghadafi. From "Occupy" movements in Washington, New York and Oakland to end of the war in Iraq, this has certainly been the year that belonged to the common man and it is my belief that these types of movements will only strengthen in the years to come.


We also lost a lot in 2011. The first person that comes to mind is Steve Jobs. A man who revolutionized the world not by wars but by simply making the computer a fundamental part of our lives. His contribution to this century is immeasurable and only God knows how far Apple will go in the years ahead. His recent demise also opened our eyes to Steve Jobs, the man who could do anything in the world but was no match for a deadly disease. According to Amazon, Steve Job's biography was the best selling book of 2011 (just thought I'd share that :). Then, there was Osama Bin Laden, The Public Enemy #1. I still remember the breaking news that came on sometime after 10pm that sent shock waves and a sense of relief throughout the world. He was killed by some very skilled and very secret Navy Seals in Pakistan. Now being a Pakistani I was not happy about the location because it meant more negative propaganda by the media about the country and its people. I don't deny that the government of Pakistan is less then perfect but the actions and greed of a few politicians always reflects bad on that country's entire population. In the new year I certainly wish that Islam and Muslims who work very hard to live an ethical life be recognized and the West would finally stop persecuting all Muslims for the actions of a corrupt few.


So what are your new year resolutions? I know that like most women in the world my no.1 will always be to "lose weight", then there are other personal goals but what I wish for the world is tolerance, better understanding, open mindedness, less frivolity(please someone get rid of the Kardashians and Snookie), more charity, acceptance and World Peace!!!


Hopefully we'll achieve all of them in 2012 because beyond that we have nothing to look forward to, or do we?;)


R