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2016 – The world in pictures

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The year 2016 has been a turbulent year to say the least as the world watched the world’s largest economy elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States, and the United Kingdom exit the European Union.

US President Barrack Obama will make his farewell appearance as critics look at the lasting effect of his presidency. The end of the Obama administration will leave a profound impact over the upcoming year.

Trump is determined to erase the policies of Obama, while his handling of relations with Russia will be seen with keen interest and scrutiny amidst accusations that Russia  hacked and impacted US election systems.

Many leaders took off from the world stage notably Prime Minister David Cameron after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union.  The impact of the Brexit vote will affect the UK economy as it is implemented in 2017 posing more challenges for Theresa May.

The brutal war in Syria ravaged on into its sixth consecutive year as the forces loyal to President Al-Assad recaptured the city of Aleppo, while in Iraq the Islamic State seems contained as the military launched an operation to retake Mosul.  A fragile ceasefire has been brokered in Syria by the year end by Russia and Turkey, but the over complicated war is far from over.

These crises in the Middle East and Africa led to massive influx of refugees across Europe, which struggled to cope with them and now threatens the fabric of European politics and culture. Many countries like Germany welcomed them, while the emergence of far-right groups saw scathing opposition.

As questions were raised over the security of Europe, the continent witnessed several terrorist incidents such Brussels airport attack, Bastile Day attack in Nice, France and the Christmas attack in Berlin, Germany. Turkey which also faced an attack on the Istanbul, also faced a thwarted coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

2016 was a great year for the sports world as the Summer Olympics were held successfully in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The US topped the medals table.  Swimmer Michel Phelps win his record 22nd gold medal, while Jamaican Usain Bolt sprinted his way to his third consecutive gold medal.

Portugal won the Euro Cup for the first time, while Leicester City emerged from oblivion for a shocking win in the English Premier League. On the tennis field, Britain’s Andy Murray ended the year as the men’s world number one, while Angelique Kerber won two grand slams and the top ranking.

The entertainment world saw many notable deaths including David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Prince, Carrie Fisher, George Michael and Debbie Reynold. The start of the year also saw Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar Award, while Game of Thrones dominated the television screens.

There were many scientific breakthroughs from the Solar Impulse which circled the world without fuel, first pictures of dwarf planet Pluto, self-driving cars, delivery drones, and new smartphones.

The following are some of the most defining moments of the years from across diverse sections across the world. – Happy New Year!!!

 

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