Freedom in the World publishes a global report evaluating political rights and civil liberties in each country and select territories. The 2019 edition of the report includes development in 195 countries and 14 territories between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.
With a score of 80 out of 100, there is only one free country in the Middle East. And you guessed it right...It's the Israeli nation. Among all Mideast nations, this compares favorably with non-free nations such as Iraq (27), Iran (17), Saudi Arabia (10) and Syria (-1).
Rather than evaluating governments or government performance, Freedom in the World measures the rights and freedoms of individuals in the real world. Political rights and civil liberties can be affected by both state and nonstate actors, including insurgents and other armed groups.
The US-based Freedom House said in an annual report last week that Israel is the only "free" state in the Middle East, contrary to claims by the country's critics who say its democratic values are being eroded. "Israel remains the region's only free country," read the report, Freedom in the World 2013, released days before Israel's election.
So what does independence actually mean?
4th of July is just around the corner and the American people will celebrate American independence.
On July 4, 1776, The Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies (later will be called states) were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the British Monarchy led by King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.
Though the voting by Congress on this matter took place on July 2nd, the Declaration of Independence was adopted 2 days later, on July 4th.
In fact, only in 1781, the Massachusetts General Court become the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration.
But…
Let us start with the definition of the word Independence.
For the individual person:
“The ability to live your life without being helped or influenced by other people.” Definition by Cambridge Dictionary
Or for a Country:
“Freedom from being governed or ruled by another country.” Definition by Cambridge Dictionary.
So, what does this entail? What are the consequences of becoming Independent?
Independence is a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory.
It means FREEDOM for all.
But it also means what Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt said. ”With freedom comes responsibility”
A Country is independent of other countries, but it relies on its people for leadership, productivity, development, healthy society, and keeping democracy and freedom alive.
For that to happen we must follow what Jonathan Lockwood Huie said “Independence of a nation begins with independence of self. “
The thing is that as individuals we are not free from influences, so how can we claim that our country is free? as it as well is not free from influences from around the world.
Israel and the USA both are independent countries, but we do need each other, Israel needs the support of the USA with weapons, shared research and development of new weapons, new technologies, new medical research, and mutual ideas for their free countries, and keeping democracy and freedom alive.
The USA as well needs Israel, which is the only free and modern Democratic country in the middle east, as a gateway to Asia and the middle east, as well as its scientific teams that cooperate with the American researchers, technology developers, etc
So we have to remember that the independence of a nation starts within ourselves. The independence of the people, their hearts, and their speech. This is something that both Israel and the USA can celebrate together. Despite all the noise we hear daily regarding our countries, we must take a step back, breathe, and remember how lucky we truly are.
“True Patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom, and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth”
