2015 — The year in review

It was not the best of years, but then, it was not the worst either. The year 2015 will go down as one during which the world came together on many fronts, but remained implacably divisive on others. It was a year of achievements but also a year blemished by acts of shame; a year of growth and progress, as well as one of stymied development. There were unparalleled displays of humanity and acts of vicious barbarism as well…

The haunting and heart-rending story unfolding throughout 2015 is the unrelenting flow of refugees to Europe. Coming from wars in Syria and Afghanistan, as well as conflicts and economic downturns in Africa and elsewhere, these men women and children risk everything for the safety of European shores. Thousands die making the dangerous crossing across the Mediterranean in flimsy boats, and yet more continue to arrive. By late December, over a million men  women and children had crossed into Europe triggering a crisis and creating divisions in the European Union on how best to deal with the evolving humanitarian situation.

We continue looking at other stories that made the news in 2015

22 January: Houti rebels in Yemen seize the presidential palace forcing President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to seek refuge in neighboring Saudi Arabia. In September, he returns to Aden after a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states provide military support to government forces to help them recapture several cities. The stalemate continues

Though not related, on the same day, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passes Resolution 2199, drafted by Russia, to combat terrorism. Provisions in the resolution mandate UN Security Council to enforce the decision with economic sanctions and to combat by all means, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorists

Source: KUNA