Globes Online reports Israel 29th for ease of doing business. This puts us 1/6th down the list. Personally, my expectations for this country vary - I know that as a "light unto the nations", we should be at the top of the list. But many foreigners who visit the country experience less-than-perfect dealings with both government agencies and private companies.

Most apparent in the detailed breakdown of the report is the difficulty in registering property, specifically the duration to secure right to a property of 144 days. Yasher Koach to the brave people involved in the real estate industry in Israel - I would be embarrassed and impatient to have to deal with such business practices.

Although we show little change since the last index, it's fitting for this time of year to hope for and make some changes in the coming year. We should be at the top of the charts and not accept mediocrity.