Some time ago, I saw this simple meaningful graffiti on a wall of a famous road in Tehran, Vali Aser Street. I guess this image will be my LAST IMAGE for the YEAR 2007, where there are still lots of wars and invasions going on in different parts of the world. As a result of these invasions, many people similar to us have been murdered, injured or lost their beloved ones. I hope in the year 2008 and beyond peace and happiness scatters all around the world especially in the hearts of those innocent victims. Discretionary budgets in $ (billions) and percentages Year - Total - Defense - Education - Health 2008 - 930 - 51.8 - 6.3 - 5.6 2007 - 873 - 52.7 - 6.5 - 6.1 2006 - 840 - 52.0 - 6.9 - 6.1 2005 - 820 - 51.0 - 7.0 - 6.2 2004 - 782 - 51.0 - 7.0 - 6.3 2003 - 767 - 51.6 - 6.8 - 6.4 The defense budget is only the Pentagon's request each Fiscal Year. It does not include nuclear weapons programs from the Department of Energy, or funding for wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/ArmsTrade/Spending.asp#WorldMilitarySpending http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-12-19-war-costs_x.htm http://www.google.co.uk/search?num=100&hl=en&q=victims of wars in year 2007&meta==
We both wish for peace for the new year, my friend. I don't know that we will ever see it, but it sure does not hurt to try for peace in the world. Stay safe.