According to the US News and World Report Spectator Index, Israel is in 8th place:
Most powerful countries, 2019.
1. US
2. Russia
3. China
4. Germany
5. UK
6. France
7. Japan
8. Israel
9. Saudi
10. S Korea
11. UAE
12. Canada
13. Iran
14. Switzerland
15. Australia
16. Turkey
17. India
18. Italy
19. Iraq
20. Singapore(US News and World Report)
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex)
So that’s gratifying, although realizing the same index lists Iran in 13th place has to be a source of worry to sane people everywhere.
I decided to review some of the latest index results:
Top military spenders in Asia, 2018
China: 249.9
Saudi Arabia: 67.5
India: 66.5
Russia: 61.3
Japan: 46.6
South Korea: 43.1
Turkey: 18.9
Israel: 15.9
Iran: 13.1
Pakistan: 11.3
Singapore: 10.8
Taiwan: 10.7
Indonesia: 7.4
Kuwait: 7.2
Oman: 6.7(SIPRI)
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex)
Now, don’t tell me this is not scary, for the Jewish State to be wedged like that, between its two arch-enemies, Turkey and Iran. As to Russia, one must wonder if this figure ($61.3 billion) also covers its European part. Probably does. Incidentally, just so you’ll be calm in face of these scary numbers, the United States’ annual military budget is $698.5 billion.
Smartest countries in the world, 2019.
1. Japan
2. Switzerland
3. China
4. United States
5. Netherlands
6. Russia
7. Belgium
8. United Kingdom
9. Canada
10. South Korea(Forbes)
Longer list: https://t.co/dfiW4icmCD
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex)
You should know Israel is 22nd on the above list. Which shows you it’s not necessary to be smart in order to be powerful…
Halkin mutsuz oldugu ulkeler siralamasi.
The Spectator Index
Most ‘miserable’ countries, 2018.1. Venezuela
2. Argentina
3. Iran
4. Brazil
5. Turkey
6. Nigeria
7. South Africa
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Egypt
10. Ukraine
11. Nicaragua
12. Jordan
13. Uruguay
14. Honduras— Kawa_Demirci (@Gthgdaridinov)
You’ll notice that Israel’s enemies Iran and Turkey are in the top five. Egypt and Jordan are also among the worst places on the planet. I for one am satisfied.
I’m fairly happy with this one, too:
Best infrastructure, 2018
1. Singapore
2. Hong Kong
3. Switzerland
4. Netherlands
5. Japan
6. South Korea
7. Germany
8. France
9. US
10. Spain
11. UK
12. Austria
13. Belgium
14. Denmark
15. UAE
16. Luxembourg
17. Sweden
18. Czech Republic
19. Portugal
20. Israel(WEF)
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex)
Surely, it could be better, but considering the fact that the UAE is the only other Mid-Eastern country in the top 20, I’m happy.
Finally, get ready to frown:
Say immigrants strengthen their country.
Canada: 68%
Australia: 64%
UK: 62%
Sweden: 62%
Japan: 59%
US: 59%
Germany: 59%
Mexico: 57%
Spain: 56%
France: 56%
Netherlands: 50%
South Africa: 34%
Israel: 26%
Poland: 21%
Russia: 18%
Italy: 12%
Greece: 10%
Hungary: 5%(Pew)
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex)
I say: Ouch. Would have expected Israelis to be way up there, with Canadians, Americans, and Brits. Disappointed.