By Dan Hasan
Looking back at last year, let me tell you the news, as for what was most striking – that’s for you to choose,
But I’m convinced you’ll digest it in this readable format, though I couldn’t include it all – what’s left out’s just as important
So starting in January – as most years do – we’re reminded of violence round the world that ensued,
Attacks in Paris, Syria, and Nigeria, spurred on by ideas that one culture’s superior,
In February, treaties were drawn between Russia and Ukraine, detailing a ceasefire from which both sides strayed,
It wasn’t the only place with disputes over territory: from Sudan to Afghanistan, the scene lacked serenity,
Yet a sigh of relief was exhaled in March, between the US and Iran, when their leaders took charge
Of initiating a long-overdue nuclear agreement, though Saudia and Israel didn’t see this as an achievement,
And in April, Cuba and the US became less of enemies, agreeing that both countries would open up embassies,
While in Nigeria, the army freed hostages held by Boko Haram, though the militants still active, continue to harm,
So it seems, violent means, aggression and terrorism, dominated headlines and left so many wishing,
For solutions and answers to all the world’s problems, but where should we really be looking to solve them?
Without reply, if I may, we’ll move on to May, where David Cameron won a second term in the UK,
Ireland legalised same-sex marriage, granting rights for the gay, meanwhile “Deflategate” became a craze in the states,
June became soon a month of crisis for Greek civilians, when the IMF decided the state should be fleeced for billions,
While tourists in Tunisia were attacked on two occasions, beach resorts are no longer thought of as safe havens,
Duly, in July, Iran finalized nuclear deals: good or bad we can but wait for what the future reveals,
Greek PM Tsipras held a successful referendum, causing some to question potential EU-independence
ISIS in August made their menace still clearer, destroying ancient roman temples in Palmyra,
And after appointing their first female prime minister, Greece’s third election of the year drew nearer,
So September came, more attention was paid to the fleeing refugees, met with open arms by exemplary German policy,
But not all Europe found compassion cost-effective or compulsory, evidenced by 10’000’s fenced outside of Hungary,
In October China ended their long-term one-child policy, US ground troops deployed in Syria amidst controversy,
Conflict in Jerusalem expanded yet further, both militants and innocents continue to be murdered
It seems to get worse, no hopes to improve, but of course it depends on what you pay attention to,
More stories are sold with the most sensational news, but what you deem worthwhile, of course you can choose,
November remembered yet more attacks in Paris, now conversations on race relations hang in the balance,
Hollande calls for all-out war against ISIS, formalising the conflict, crystallising the crisis,
And December, just past marked yet another US shooting, now some ask whether existing gun-control laws are useless,
While the police force were forced to come up with excuses, for shooting 100’s of blacks, reflecting historical abuses,
If anything can be surmised from this year in themes, it’s that violence begets violence: the whole world has seen,
Destruction is easy, creation somewhat harder, breaking eggs to make omelette is surely just part of,
Our misguided attempts to make the world a better place, by going straight for action, circumventing debate,
No one soul has answers but collectively we’re stronger, withhold ignorance and prejudice, then might peace just last longer.
Dan Hasan, Class of 2016, is a Pre-Med major, from London, the United Kingdom.
