Tough political leaders crop up from time to time, leaders who have the willpower and determination to combat the scourge of terrorism infiltrating the whole world. Unfortunately, no such leader has emerged recently.

During his presidency, George W. Bush used to call terrorism the United States’ greatest security threat since World War II and solemnly declared that the war on terrorism must be waged “for years and decades to come, not weeks or months”.

Most countries agreed with this assessment and promised to pay whatever price was necessary to wage this war.

Bush was proved right. Since he left office we have witnessed deep divisions in countries like Syria, Libya, Israel, Palestine, Kenya, Yemen, Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Russia and China; the list is endless.

The obstacles that lie ahead are indeed great. Who will dare take the first big step in this long and difficult road ahead?