Publisher's Synopsis
On Tuesday, 11th September, 2001, unknown people later identified as terrorists hijacked four aeroplanes from a private airline in the United States of America. Two of the planes went and hit bombed the world trade centre building in New York at five minutes interval. The attacked building had about one hundred and two floors, one of the tallest structures in the world. More than five thousand people died in this terrorist attack.
Another of the hijacked planes went and hit pentagon, the defence headquarters of USA. About eight hundred people died in this one. More than four hundred fire fighter and security personnel died while trying to rescue the victims of the attack. The fourth plane hit another target in Washington D. C.People interpreted these as the manifestation of the prediction made more than five hundred years ago by Nostradamus, a French philosopher.
Another gulf war started in 2003 which led to the eventual capture of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader and his subsequent trial and execution in 2006. It was predicted that the second gulf war would escalate and ultimately lead to the world war where weapons of mass destruction would be used to exterminate the world including the owners of the weapons.
A big tsunami wave came and swept through Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya and many Islands bordering Indian Ocean in 2006. Death toll was two hundred thousand and this included tourists and visitors from many countries across the world. People predicted it would spread to other parts of the world.
We all live in constant fears of the catastrophic end of the world. We all believed that death is caused and not natural. Even death at old age is seen as caused. What is our idea about death? Do we have right to live but no right to die? Is death a punishment from God? Does one suffer on earth because of sin or are the suffering deferred till death and judgement? Do we preach our belief with threat of disease, suffering and death? Was anyone cautious not to die? How old is the person now? Who is he and where is he at the moment?
We always look forward to predictions of catastrophes and disaster for their manifestations. We remember them always and attempt to match them with subsequent events. Let us bring forward any prediction of bliss and peace that had stood the test of time so that we balance our reasoning.
I am not referring to you. This is just a story about 31st December 1999. Do not take it personal.
UDE IWEKA
