“The Arab world, in general, is the most affected by the backwardness which the South suffers from. This region will not be able to develop if the policies of its political regimes do not change.” This statement has been made by many political experts. However, some observers think that the Arab Spring will make a difference this year, although it is difficult to be optimistic in light of the current world order and its economic and political trends. Last year witnessed some decline in the influence of the sole world superpower, which currently controls the international political arena. Perhaps this is the beginning of the decline of opportunist hegemony and an indication of the increasing influence of new rising powers, such as China, Russia, the European Union and others. However, currently the sole superpower still controls political trends around the world. Last year's hot issues will most likely continue to shape events and developments this year: the Arab Spring, the Palestinian Cause, the situation in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Egypt, the Iranian nuclear issue, reform and development and terrorism. It looks like this year will be full of serious problems and crises most of which started last year and will most likely continue. The Arab region remains one of the hottest areas, politically speaking, around the world due to imperialist goals, Israel, the dominance of tyranny and the disorder in which people live in this region. As long as the Zionist usurper continues to implement its unfair and hostile policies, this region will never see real peace and stability. The Israeli entity works around the clock to harm the Arab nation on all levels. It does not want peace and it cannot live without hostility and hegemony. This entity, which was intentionally planted in the region, is preparing for a new crisis. Its leaders feel no shame in publicly announcing that they are planning to wage a new war soon. Almost all Arab countries and the entire world are against a nuclear Iran. However, these countries seek to achieve this goal through peaceful means. This should include all countries without exception. But the Zionist logic is clear; Israel wants to monopolize weapons of mass destruction and be the only hegemonic power in the region. It is true Iran has repugnant hostile expansionist policies, but refusing and resisting these policies should not result in Israeli hegemony. This is one of the most dangerous strategic challenges Arabs face in the new year. Last year saw the revival of sectarianism, a problem which undermines the region and makes it more susceptible to the hegemony of invaders. We saw what sectarianism did in Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain and other countries. There are of course problems and serious crises in other regions of the world which can erupt at any time during the year. Examples include the global financial crisis, the North Korean nuclear issue, Kashmir, Afghanistan, the conflicts in the Horn of Africa, poverty and disease in Africa and other crises. (Dr. Sadaka Y. Fadhel is a Member of the Shoura Council and Professor of Political Science) __
