The global crisis of leadership

Imagine, what would have been the difference if the more than two trillion dollars wasted on a senseless war were instead spent on our crumbling infrastructure and aiding hundreds of debilitating communities living in abject poverty and squalor.

Ayatollah Khamenei, who executes and tortures his people while robbing them of their dignity and natural right to be free. He sends money, materials, and manpower to fuel Assad's killing machine, all in the name of God.

Instead, he could have utilized the splendor of Iran's riches in human and natural resources and played a leading constructive regional role to promote stability, progress, and peace.

Although President Obama falls in an entirely different category-he restored to the Presidency the dignity and the stature it deserves, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to human rights-he never appreciated the US' indispensable global role to lead.

Instead, he led from behind, creating the perception of weakness and vacillation allowing other powers, especially Russia and Iran, to fill the vacuum he created, raising serious doubts in the minds of America's allies whether the US is still up to the task.

With the lack of global leadership, is there any wonder then why the civil war in Syria killed 300,000 and left much of the country in ruin while the world's leaders failed miserably to end the slaughter?

Is it any wonder why the Sunni-Shiite conflict continues to devour the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people, knowing that this war is unwinnable and the only choice is to live with one another?

Is it any wonder why after five decades of Israeli occupation, the Palestinians fight between themselves and against Israel? Both sides have still to come to their senses and realize that only peaceful coexistence can ensure their mutual survival.

Is it any wonder why violent extremism is on the rise, why the young are radicalized, and why there is little prospect for better days ahead? As long as leadership remains absent on the international scene, we can tragically expect much of the same.

Yes, leaders are a reflection of their time, and people the world over might have finally reached the breaking point.

Their cry for trusting, caring, and bold leadership echoes everywhere. We can only hope that such leaders will hear the people's outcry and emerge to answer their desperate call.