Unfolding Bet: The questions of Palestine-Iraq-Palestine-Darfur-Iraq-Palestine-Darfur will consume many a politician, many a diplomat, many a president, in the months and years to come. No question at all. And we note.

Somehow, time and votes will shift the full burden of responsibility and accountability back to where it squarely belongs: on the head and shoulders of world leaders and their hordes of aides. They enjoy the position, perks and power. Why would they not do the job...well and proper? Are we paying them to ruin our world or to restore hope, peace and tranquility to our battered lives and psyche? The clock ticks.

Then we have all their political parties very very busy playing the proverbial ostrich. No matter. Their own days will come....sooner than later. Bet.

On all counts, nature and history, hurt and humming, money and memory plus posterity will take hold and gore the rambling fold. All will and must account....in time, soon-time.

Are we griping, moaning and mourning at once? Hell, we are! Any repercussion for inaction and ineptitude, wasting billions on military illusion instead of global vision on sustainable, equitable development? Squandering youthful lives instead of empowering them? Spilling the precious blood of women and children instead of securing and enriching same? You bet....just watch.

It will be painful but purgatory. And, sadly (because it is so avoidable!), it will be self-inflicted.

Hearty congratulations to H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, UN secretary general-elect. This is a man of huge personal qualifications and a worthy son of Asia, whom his native land - South Korea - should be justly proud of. So should the UN Security Council and his fellow contestants who ensured high civility, diplomatic decorum and a rancour-free process. Bravo to you all.

Time is of essence, this day, about both the official General Assembly ratification-vote and his transition engagements. Once confirmed, Mr Ban needs a unique orientation programme. For things not to be business-as-usual, he has to focus on TWO anchors: World Peace and World Poverty. "Terrorism" is the absence of one, and the presence of the other.

The new Sec-Gen should proceed on a 30-day open tour of those endemic zones of the world, where he can find first-hand "jolting" lessons, to shape his horizon. Only then may he subject himself to any "Desk Work", and the usual "Glass House" briefings. This way, he would generate the fervour and freedom to be a new player, and can readily summon the soul and stealth to build the values-based and justice-driven United Nations of our collective dream.

We wish him God's speed.

Welcome.