2022 On Reflection: Happy New Year to you all
For the first time since 1952, Queen Elizabeth will not lead the nation into the New Year
Good day readers, and a Happy New Year to you and your family. I’ve been trying to sum up 2022 with a word or phrase. When reflecting on the economic and social aspects of 2022, challenging, came to mind. Then I immediately considered the upheaval faced by millions of Ukrainians, and closer to home, those struggling to make ends meet in the eye-of-the-storm, that is the cost-of-living crisis. Who would have thought Britain would have 2,500 food banks at the turn of 2023?
Despite being made-redundant, finding new employment and moving house, 2022 was a walk-in-the-park for myself, compared to what some people have endured. That old phase “There’s someone always worse off than you?” is prevalent as ever.
War breaks out in Europe, AGAIN!
The year started with both hope and misery, depending on your geographical location. For the majority of the global population, 2022 was the year to park the COVID pandemic. Nonetheless, the bat flu looks like it’s here to stay for now, with cases in China surging to over one million.
In January, Europe braced itself for conflict, as Vladimir Putin mounted what the press referred to as a modern and highly motivated Army on Ukraine’s Eastern and Northern borders. The invasion did happen, but Russia’s forces resembled one from the Soviet era of the 1980s, when they invaded Afghanistan.
Since February, Putin’s Army has shown its ugly hand to the world, a hand of chaos, ill-disciplined and ill-equipped troops, indiscriminate violence, ubiquitous fear, and a complete lack of leadership. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children have had their childhoods taken away, replaced by the horrors of war, just as their grandparents witnessed during World War 2.
Putin’s expected “quick victory” in Ukraine resembles a plan written on the back of a napkin. As a result of Putin’s decision to launch and invasion, Russia’s economy is bucking under the strain of international sanctions, and many hundreds of thousands of citizens have fled the country, seeking stability in neighbouring countries.
Unfortunately, Russia’s aggression has not abated, and the Kremlin has changed tact, reliant on cheap Iranian missiles and drones to target Ukraine’s already fragile energy supply chain.
Tim Marshall wrote in his book Prisoners of Geography, “Russia, like all great powers, is thinking in terms of the next 100 years”. Marshall is great writer, but not even he foresaw the geo-political spectrum of 2022. Instead of 100 years, The Kremlin appears to thinking in terms of the next 100 hours.
Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics of misinformation, and cyber attacks has galvanised NATO and the European Union, rather than weakening it, as Putin fantasises about. Tehran’s collusion with Moscow means Iran has found another way to fight a proxy war with America and her allies, and some NATO members have committed to vast investments in its armed forces.
Per the New York Times, Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure - described by the United Nations and Western countries as a possible war crime. The situation in Ukraine is likely to worsen before negotiators engineer a blue print for peace and reconciliation.
Strikes, strikes and more strikes
Liz Truss had more blunders than Laurel and Hardy during her 44 staycation at 10 Downing Street. Laurel and Hardy brought many laughs to generations. On the other hand, Truss’s blundering was laughable, bringing about chaos in the city and misery to many homeowners.
Returning to the theme of learning lessons, will the British Government take note of a long list of military blunders? I doubt it. Britain’s minuscule armed forces is once again at the centre of attention, because it is filling in for the multitude of national strikes.
When you consider the size of the British Army is approximately 75,000 strong, it’s worthing noting around 12% of that is actually made up of infantry, a fighting force with the aim of capturing or destroying enemy ground forces and repelling enemy attacks.
A portion of the army’s numbers are not deployable, because they are either in basic training, preparing to leave the army, on career courses, maternity/paternity leave or they are medically unfit for the rigours of overseas operations. The situation is just one of many spinning plates Downing Street has to deal with. Despite this, the British Army is deployed to 80 countries.
There are synergies between 1914, 1939, the Falklands War of 1982, the Gulf War of 1990 and the Iraq war of 2003, simply, the British military was not prepared. I am not suggesting Britain is about to face direct action against a foreign aggressor, but it’s military is weak, despite what the spin doctors will tell you.
In 2022, we’ve seen members of our Armed Forces driving ambulances, checking passports at border control, and training members of Ukraine’s defence forces, if only our soldiers could operate the rail networks.
Goodbye Ma’am and Pele
2022 saw the nation, and wider Commonwealth mourning the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Interestingly, one of the Woz Report subscribers played an important part in the Queen’s funeral procession, walking along the side of Her Majesty's coffin as a member of The Yeomen of the Guard. Well done Wayne, we’re all proud of you, and it’s definitely a story for the pub and the grandchildren in years to come.
I had the privilege of seeing Her Majesty during the Royal visit to West Berlin in 1987. In 2012, my wife went one better, when she actually met the Queen during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Burghley House, Stamford.
Personally, my favourite moment of Her Majesty is when she was escorted by Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, during the opening scenes of the 2022 London Olympics.
2022 saw a first for the Soccer World Cup, because it was played during the winter. The great Lionel Messi triumphed, leading Argentina to a 3rd title. Little did we know in the aftermath of Argentina’s triumph, we would witness Argentina’s neighbour mourning one of its most important citizens, when Pele died, aged 82.
The Brazilian mastermind lead Brazil to three World Cups, and for many, he will always be regarded as the greatest player of all time. The modern fan may disagree, but Pele, and his generation were not afforded the protection given by referees in the 21st century.
I never saw Pele play, but my favourite moment of his was when his brilliant and powerful header was remarkably saved by the late Gordon Banks, during Brazil’s clash with England, during the 1970 World Cup. Brazil’s superstars of Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto were unstoppable that year, and they went on to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
It’s been a strange year for many reasons. 2022 has had its ups and downs, and I expect 2023 to pose the same challenges as this year.
Thank you for subscribing to the Woz Report, and I hope 2023 brings you happiness and prosperity.
John, As always a great read and interesting opinions .
Thanks for the mention and Op London Bridge was a complete honour.