Which way 2018 turn?

. However, the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that the tweets on “nuclear button” by Donald Trump were meant to “keep Kim on his toes.” Her comments instead of clearing the air only amplified the commotion thus confirming that North Korea would remain on the agenda. With  the forthcoming winter Olympics being held in South Korea; International Olympic Committee has said that North Korea was likely to participate in Pyeongchang from February 9-25. But will that bring bonhomie among nations? Games at Pyeongchang would also keep Canadians glued to see if Canada can move up in the medal tally as compared to last time.

Three provinces here in Canada would be going to polls. Ontario on June7, New Brunswick and Quebec later in September. In Ontario, Patrick Brown’s Progressive Conservatives seem inching close to Liberals under Premier Kathleen Wynne. Can Wynne pull off an upset win and extend the life of Liberal party to a record 15 years run, despite having rock bottom ratings? Not many would be hoping that to take place. New Democratic Party (NDP) under Andrea Horwath would aspire to manage a repeat of the 1990 surprise that brought the party under Bob Rae. NDP in Ontario appears rejuvenated with having elected Jagmeet Singh as the Federal leader.  Will Jagmeet Singh attempt resigning from Ontario provisional assembly for  seat in the House of Commons is a question that even the NDP is trying to find an answer to? Also focus would be on Justin Trudeau’s Liberals as the government may come out with financial benefits as a run up to the 2019 federal elections.

Effective January 1, wages in Ontario stand revised to $14 per hour from $11.60 and more goodies could be in store as some of bills would be discussed in the house. Changes in the provincial employment laws also include three weeks of paid vacation to all employees once they have been with a company for five year.   New mothers and fathers planning to begin their parental leave will be able to spread 12 months’ worth of federal employment insurance over 18 months and stay home with their child longer. New family caregiver benefits could include a 15-week leave to care for a critically ill or injured adult, and a 35-week leave to care for a critically ill or injured child.  Focus would also be on the Federal Liberals as it has set  July, 2018 as the deadline to legalize recreational marijuana. Sales of pot will be restricted to people 18 and older, although provinces will be able to set their own minimum age requirements. Provinces are also tasked with figuring out how to sell and regulate marijuana. Ontario has already decided that the pot will be sold in stores run by a subsidiary of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. The other provinces too would be gearing themselves up for the change.

2018 is expected to be tough for Britain and Europe with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit set to continue. With elections due in  Russia, the outcome would be closely watched by the world considering that it would not only have its impact on Russia-Syria ties, but also on how the world forces align to take on the demon that keeps rising its head in the form of ISIS sponsored terror.

In West Asia, the announcement of the US government to recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has reignited tensions. Already China has announced its intent to play a role in the dispute between Israel and Palestine, signaling that it is willing to assume the role of a global peace-broker. The full effect of this announcement will likely become clearer in 2018.

Pakistan will need a lot of attention with Donald Trump going tough with Pakistan’s role in harboring terrorism. Pakistan will go to pools, it would be fascinating to watch how these elections are contested as the party leaders Nawaz Sharif is facing a tough time with the judiciary and ex President Gen Pervez Musharaf living in exile.

India too has its challenges. Prime being its relations with the neighbors and a visible disconnect of the government with the minorities would impact the ruling party that faces assembly elections in eight states. But for the states of Bengal and Tripura, its going to be Congress versus BJP. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are going to be interesting too watch as the ruling BJP is likely to face a tough challenge from the Congress. These states would be an indicator for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in 2019, as these states jointly sends 99 Members of Parliament.

2018 has a lot to offer, with political leadership set to face the challenges of the electorate in many counties and provinces, hope 2018 is not as volatile as 2017 was.