World Watch 2012

WITH a spring in the step and hope in the heart, everyone, even the most confirmed cynic, looks forward to the New Year. The dawn of 2012 brings with it anticipation as not only individuals but also nations muster strength and resources to plan and carry on, leaving disasters and disappointments behind. Just as the dawn of a day kindles anticipation, the birth of a New Year at a macro level awakens a ray of promise (and possibility) collectively. The sporting world awaits the London Olympics, while the international community keenly watches Obama's election.

In India, the Lokpal Bill will define much of the discourse in the beginning of the year. The defence forces can look at new fighter aircraft being their force multipliers. In our neighbourhood, Pakistan faces an acid test as the army and government slug it out, with Imran Khan hoping to become a game-changer. In Myanmar, Sui Kyi is finally out of her isolation and the nation is taking baby steps towards participative politics.

Much of the world will simply be looking at the economy with fingers crossed. The Euro will provide some anxious moments even as the world weathers negative growth and recessionary trends.

All eyes set on London: The mega sports spectacle, the Olympics, will surely lift up spirits around the world as athletes compete for their nation’s honour. This giant set of Olympic Rings is at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel which will be one of the main gateways from Europe to the London 2012 Games
All eyes set on London: The mega sports spectacle, the Olympics, will surely lift up spirits around the world as athletes compete for their nation’s honour. This giant set of Olympic Rings is at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel which will be one of the main gateways from Europe to the London 2012 Games		 TAKING NOTE: With clouds of economic crisis in Europe that jolted economies all over the world lifting, the next few months hold promise of a stablity that will ward off the looming threat of another global meltdown and recession
TAKING NOTE: With clouds of economic crisis in Europe that jolted economies all over the world lifting, the next few months hold promise of a stablity that will ward off the looming threat of another global meltdown and recession
TESTING TIMES: US President Barack Obama faces an electorate that demands more than his trademark rhetoric
TESTING TIMES: US President Barack Obama faces an electorate that demands more than his trademark rhetoric		 WAITING IN THE WINGS: Eurofighter Typhoon may soon provide the Indian Air Force combat fleet with the teeth to fight future wars. In 2011, the Ministry of Defence narrowed down its selection for the medium range combat aircraft (MRCA) to the European Fighter Aircraft and the French Rafale, both from Europe
WAITING IN THE WINGS: Eurofighter Typhoon may soon provide the Indian Air Force combat fleet with the teeth to fight future wars. In 2011, the Ministry of Defence narrowed down its selection for the medium range combat aircraft (MRCA) to the European Fighter Aircraft and the French Rafale, both from Europe Photos: AFP/UNI
SPIRITED COMEBACK: Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is set for a bigger role
SPIRITED COMEBACK: Myanmar's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is set for a bigger role		 SHOOTING STAR: Will cricket hero-turned-politician Imran Khan light up the political firmament or vanish into the abyss of uncertainity that prevails Pakistan?
SHOOTING STAR: Will cricket hero-turned-politician Imran Khan light up the political firmament or vanish into the abyss of uncertainity that prevails Pakistan?





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