The year 2024, which is about to end, witnessed significant events that will have long-lasting implications. It will be remembered for years, much like 1976, 2001, and 2011 – years that changed the course of history.

Iran’s withdrawal

Iran-backed militias have posed the greatest threat to the region’s stability. Instead of focusing on economic development, countries were preoccupied and drained by Iran’s expansion into Arab capitals. The region falling completely under this axis, with tacit Western acceptance, would have meant a slow descent into the abyss. However, this threat diminished significantly with Syria’s exit from the equation and the severance of military and logistical supply lines.

Post WWII, Europe could not prosper economically while fearing Germany’s resurgence. Thus, Germany was neutralized, paradoxically aiding its transformation into an industrial powerhouse within a few years.

The current shift could drive prosperity across the region, including in Tehran itself, which has suffered enormous losses funding militias and supporting al-Assad, with little to show for these investments.

Al-Assad, al-Sharaa, and the ‘development’ axis

Al-Assad fleeing Damascus and al-Sharaa taking over marked a monumental development. We all know how al-Assad devastated his country, but the critical question is how it will be rebuilt. Al-Sharaa emphasized this, acknowledging that Syria is exhausted, destroyed, and in dire need of reconstruction – a top priority and a sensible vision.

Syria, having been dragged into the “resistance” axis by al-Assad, which brought only ruin, must now join the “development” axis. The new Syria must prioritize slogans like “Syria First,” “Syria for Syrians,” and “Religion for God, Homeland for All.” Any attempts to smear or attack the progress in Syria only serve extremists who wish to see the country shattered and reclaim the influence they’ve lost.

Biden’s exit, Trump’s return

The election of Donald Trump as US president was among this year’s pivotal events. Nobody truly knows how Trump thinks – not even Trump himself – as he often contradicts himself with the same statement.

Even before assuming office, Trump began stirring controversy. He mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as the “Governor of Canada,” suggesting Canada should become the 51st state, claimed the Panama Canal belongs to the US, and expressed a desire to purchase Greenland, despite Danish outrage.

These antics, however, are likely to be sideshows compared to the critical policies he will pursue in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite criticism of Joe Biden over pardoning his son, Biden leaves Trump with strategic advantages. As columnist Fareed Zakaria notes, all of America’s adversaries are in a weakened state. Russia lost Syria, remains entangled in war, and faces sanctions. China struggles with economic decline. Iran has exited Syria, weakening its strongest arm, Hezbollah, following Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination and the destruction of its infrastructure.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform “X” granted him unexpected political power, even influencing Trump’s re-entry into the White House. Musk stands out as one of 2024’s most influential figures, not just aiding the Republican victory but also shifting America’s cultural discourse from left to right.

For years, left-wing elites dominated media and academia, promoting “cancel culture” over trivial mistakes. Discussions on gender diversity and immigration became taboo. Yet, with Musk’s stature, influence, and wealth, he managed to steer the narrative. However, concerns arise about Musk pushing this shift further into extreme right-wing territory – not just in America but even in Europe, where he’s seen as a “savior prophet.”

Fake news

While Musk succeeded in bringing Trump back to the White House, his grave misstep is promoting the idea that “X” and social media are the real media. Musk, embittered by the traditional media’s adversarial stance and smear campaigns against him, believes these platforms are a fair alternative.

Though Musk is right about the media’s unfair treatment of him, claiming platforms can replace journalism is problematic. Unfiltered misinformation will flow directly into people’s minds. False information leads to flawed beliefs and, ultimately, wrong actions. While partisan and ideological journalism has undermined trust in the media, this doesn’t mean all journalism is propaganda.

It’s crucial to educate people to trust credible sources, even when they deliver uncomfortable truths. A true journalist, like a doctor, prescribes bitter medicine to cure an illness, while biased reporters (or social platforms) act like quacks offering feel-good remedies that can harm.

According to statistics, 60 percent of those who believe the 9/11 attacks were a US conspiracy rely on social media for information. This “mental illness,” as I call it, is something you must protect your children from at all costs.