There seems to be growing evidence of truth behind the reports as we know now that dozens of al-Qaeda leaders have arrived in Yemen in the past ten days, and more are on the move. What we do not know is how far the plot has been halted, and if danger of action remains, still. Any aggression is to be deplored, of course, but the idea of it causes me to wonder, “If it happened, what would be the repercussions?” Apart from inevitable chaos, regional instability, large market losses and a major problem for world leaders in the short term, in the longer term it could result in a re-assessment of western involvement in the Middle East; less interference in the affairs of other countries; a greater focus on national self-sufficiency; a new approach to energy supply and a more realistic approach to economies and monies.
Sometimes we need to be shaken out of our complacency in order to make changes to our lives that are needed, and it applies to the world, too. To you and me it can be losing a job, a death in the family or the breakdown of a marriage – such events bring transformation to some degree and while painful at the time, can be the start of a marvellous new cycle. If it is time for change then change will happen, and the less reluctant we are the easier it will be. Our world is overdue change, a re-adjustment as to how we value other people, countries, their assets, money generally, our independence and indeed our environment: we have been slow to see this let alone to take action, and it may be al-Qaeda is giving us a strong reminder now. They live for fear, but, unknowingly, give us inspiration for our future too.
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