To celebrate my hundredth post on A Little View of the World I thought I’d look back at 2012 a review the top stories and global events of the year.
25. Scottish Independence Referendum (14th October)
On the 14th October British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and, Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, signed an agreement for a referendum on Scottish independence that will take place in 2014. This brought the issue of the fragmentation of Britain to the forefront of British politics and forced many to consider how an independent Scotland would function within Europe and how separating would affect relations with the UK.
24. Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to the EU (12th October)
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union in recognition of the work it has done towards maintaining peace within Europe for over half a century. It was a move that drew plaudits from some in the international community, who see the EU as one of the main reasons for maintaining peace following two World Wars that tore apart the continent. However others have argued that the EU’s failures in resolving conflict in Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland and the Basque region mean that it does not truly deserve the prize.
23. Venezuelan Elections (7th October)
In October Venezuelans went to the polls to elect its new President. Long term leader, Hugo Chavez was standing against one of the most united oppositions of his Presidency, with his rival Henrique Caprilles having the support of a coalition of Venezuelan opposition parties. However, despite such opposition, Chavez won the election and maintained his leadership of this South American nation. For those looking for dramatic change in Venezuela they were left disappointed as Chavez kept hold of this powerful Latin American state and continued his focus on South American socialism.
22. Rebellion and Coup in Mali (January – Onward)
In January, Tuareg communities in Northern Mali rebelled against the government seeking greater autonomy and independence for the Azawad region. The rebels started to take several key targets in Northern Mali leading members of the Malian army to launch a coup against President Toure over his handling of the conflict. The chaos that ensued led to rebels and Islamists renewing their fighting taking cities, such as Timbuktu. Aside from tearing apart this West African nation it has allowed for a new frontier to open in the fight against Islamic extremism, with the nation being used as a base for Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
21. Palestine Granted UN Non-Member Observer Status (29th November)
In November Palestine took its fight for greater political representation to the UN once again this time looking for an upgrade to non-member observer status. This UN resolution was passed and was a symbol of Palestine’s progress towards achieving full statehood and independence.
20. Julian Assange Granted Asylum in Ecuador (16th August)
One of the more unusual world events this year was the story of Julian Assange’s efforts to escape extradition from Britain, ending with him taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Mr Assange was wanted in Sweden over allegations of sexual offences. In addition he was wanted in the United States to face charges of treason for his part in the Wikileaks affair, which endangered the national security of the USA. Fearing illegal rendition to the USA from Sweden, Mr Assange claimed asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. On the 16th August he was granted asylum. Britain was then left in a diplomatic dispute with Ecuador in which Britain would not guarantee Assange’s free passage to Ecuador and there were even threats to remove their diplomatic status and storm the embassy.
19. Pussy Riot Jailed (17th August)
In February the female punk band, Pussy Riot, performed an anti-Putin song at the altar of Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The women said their protest was directed at the Orthodox Church leader’s support for Putin during his election campaign. Three of the members were later arrested and in August they were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and jailed. The case caught the attention of the world media and for many highlighted the corrupt nature of the Putin government in Russia, the repression of freedom of speech in Russia and the position of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Putin regime.
18. Ethnic Conflict in Burma (June & October)
Ethnic tensions in Rakhine, Burma run high between the Buddhists of the region and the Muslim Rohingya people. After tit-for-tat criminality in the state, rioting broke out with the Rohingya people the target of ethnic violence. The Myanmar government responded by imposing curfews and deploying troops in the regions. On 10 June, a state of emergency was declared in Rakhine, allowing the military to participate in the administration of the region. As of 22 August, officially there had been 88 casualties, 57 Muslims and 31 Buddhists. An estimated 90,000 people have been displaced by the violence. The Burmese army and police were accused of playing a leading role in targeting Rohingyas through mass arrests and violence. This violence came at a time when the spotlight is increasingly on Burma as the country moves from a military, police state to a democracy.
17. Changing Leadership in Egypt (30th June & 4th November)
2012 was a big year for Egypt, when the nation would select the new leader following the Arab Spring and overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The people put their faith in former Muslim Brotherhood member, Mohammed Mursi, who would lead Egypt into a new era of Egyptian politics. Since then the President has had to deal with rioting in Cairo and challenges to his proposals for sweeping measures that would give the President supreme control over the nation. However many feared the Islamic nature of the new government, most notably the Christian Copts, who also elected a new leader, Pope Theodoros (Tawadros) II in November.
16. Hurricane Sandy, USA (October)
Despite being one of the few natural events of this list, Hurricane Sandy not only captured the attention of the world media, but had serious political implications in America. The Hurricane hit New Jersey, New York and much of East Coast America in late October, only weeks before one of the most tightly fought elections in US history. President Obama’s victory must in part be the result on his handling of the crisis, which drew compliments from many in USA, even including key Republican critics, such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
15. Greek Political Crisis (May-June)
No country went through more political turmoil in 2012 than Greece, which saw not one, but two general elections. In May the first elections took place, which saw members of the Communist Party and the extreme Right-Wing Golden Dawn take seats in government. However with the two traditional parties in Greece losing much support, leaders failed to agree on a coalition government and were forced into a second election in June. This election resulted in a coalition government between the traditional parties in Greece, led by President Samaras, however it has left Greece highly divided in a period of great financial and social instability.
14. Russian Election (4th March)
The Russian elections of 2012 saw Vladimir Putin elected, yet again, to the role of Russian President, a role he occupied from 2000-2008. Putin had courted much controversy both within Russia and around the world as a many view him as corrupt or even as a quasi–dictator. With Russia growing as a power Putin’s role as leader will continue to define this powerful world nation.
13. Israel – Gaza Conflict (March & October)
In early March the Israel Defence Forces launched Operation Returning Echo against the Gaza Strip. Following this initial outbreak of violence it intensified in October as Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel increased. Israel’s government then decided to resort to a military response. An Israeli air strike killed the Chief of the Hamas military wing in Gaza and many died on both sides of the border, although violence in Gaza was far greater, with over a 100 people dying as a result. It brought the conflict back into the attention of the world’s media and once again appeared to threaten stability in the region.
12. French Election (22nd April & 6th May)
On the 6th May, Francois Hollande was elected to the Presidency winning just over 50% of the vote. It signaled a return to Socialism within France and condemnation of the Presidency of President Sarkozy. Hollande’s Presidency has been plagued by the Eurozone crisis which had affected Hollande’s ability to reverse the fortunes of France’s economy. His high tax regime has caused many in France to consider leaving the country, however the President is seen as key to achieving a new partnership with other leading nations such as Germany and thus achieving greater unity and prosperity in Europe.
11. Marikana Miners Strike, South Africa (August-September)
At mines in the Marikana area of South Africa widespread striking occurred over working conditions for miners. It was an unauthorised strike that garnered great media attention due to the violence inflicted on the strikers by both the South African Police and the leaders of the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers). Union leaders and the South African Police opened fire on the miners resulting in the deaths of many workers. It was seen as one of the worst incidences of violence in post-Apartheid South Africa and signified the deep divides in South African society between the poorest citizens and the ruling powers.
10. Senkaku/Diaoyu Island Conflict, China & Japan (January-Onward)
Long term disputes over islands in the East China Sea have existed for many years, but in 2012 the issue came close to conflict. On 18 August, several boats carrying about 150 Japanese activists arrived at the islands. The activists stated that they wanted to commemorate Japan’s World War II deaths. When the activists were denied permission to land, several swam to the islands, subsequently raising Japanese flags. Mass anti-Japanese protests occurred throughout China in response and Chinese ships were sent to the area to uphold the interests of the Chinese nation. Both Japan and China maintain control over the islands and refuse to back down on the sovereignty debate. Further disputes in 2013 are likely following the election of President Abe of Japan, who says he will take a strong stance on the islands dispute.
9. Kim Jong-un’s Leadership in North Korea (Ongoing)
Although Kim Jong-un became leader of North Korea in 2011, 2012 was the year in which the leader asserted his authority over the country. In 2012 he was elected to the roles of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, First Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the First Chairman of the National Defence Commission all as ways to further his political control. This year also saw the development of Kim’s status as a leader within the minds of North Koreans and critically questions were raised over what direction the new leader would take North Korea in, although recent rocket launches suggest that their will be little difference between his reign and that of his father, Kim Jong-il.
8. Attack on the US Embassy in Libya (11th September)
Described as one of the worst terrorist attack of 2012, the attack on the US diplomatic Mission in Benghazi, Libya sparked widespread controversy over the security of US personnel overseas. The attack began during the night of the 10th September, at a compound, meant to protect the consulate building. A second assault in the early morning the next day targeted a nearby CIA building in a different compound. During this attack several were killed, including U.S. Ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens. Groups connected to Al-Qaeda were linked to the attacks and it occurred at a time of great instability in the Middle East following a controversial movie in the USA that insulted Islam.
7. Chinese Election (15th November)
2012 marked the beginning of a new cycle in Chinese politics, when the President of China and leader of the Communist Party changed. This event only occurs every ten years and this transition of power saw many in the Politburo (the controlling body of the Chinese government) replaced, including Hu Jintao who was replaced by Xi Jinping as Chinese Premier. Every transition of power symbolises a new period of political authority when the economics, national policies and foreign relations of China are all examined and reassessed.
6. Eurozone Crisis (Ongoing)
2012 saw a continuation of the ongoing Eurozone crisis. Greece, Spain and Italy all saw great tests to their economic stability as other leading nations of Europe, including the UK, France and Germany, all attempted to reverse their economic fortunes that have seen stagnation and recession. The biggest test to the Eurozone was the Spanish economy. Interest on Spain’s 10-year bonds reached 7% and it faced difficulty in accessing bond markets. To avoid an economic collapse, in one of Europe’a largest economies, Europe’s politicians, on 9th June 2012, granted Spain a financial support package of up to €100 billion.
5. Protests in the Arab World (September)
On September 11, 2012, a series of protests and violent attacks began in response to a YouTube trailer for a film, Innocence of Muslims, considered blasphemous by many Muslims. The reactions began at U.S. diplomatic missions in Cairo, Egypt, and Benghazi,Libya and quickly spread across the Muslim world to other U.S. and Western diplomatic missions and other locations. Like the Arab Spring they threatened the stability of the Middle East and increased tensions between the nations of the Arab World and the West.
4. Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee (Feb – Onward)
2012 marked 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain ascended to the throne of England. Being one of the few English monarchs to reach this milestone it was met by great celebration within both the UK and the Commonwealth. Members of the royal family traveled around the world, reaffirming the position of the British royal family as one of the most influential bodies within the world.
3. Syrian Civil War (Ongoing)
This year saw the intensification of violence within Syria, with massacres, such as the Houla Massacre, causing many within the international community to call for military intervention in Syria to stop the fighting. However with foreign nations reluctant to intervene, the situation got worse with refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon and Jordan and intense shelling occurring in all the country’s major cities, including Damascus and Aleppo. 2012 also saw the Syrian opposition develop rapidly. The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, became recognised by important NATO countries, such as France, USA and the UK as the official opposition to the Assad regime. With the conflict ongoing, with no sign of being resolved, it looks like 2013 will see the Syrian Civil War continue and develop further.
2. US Election (6th November)
Undoubtedly the most prolific elections in the world of 2012, the US election became one of the most talked about events of the year. With the success of President Obama it meant that the Democrats would secure a further four years in power and continue with their mandate for political change and reform within the USA following the Presidency of Republican, George Bush. It was one of the closest fought contests in US history, with Republican candidate, Mitt Romney gaining much support from the American population and cutting the impressive dominance Obama had achieved in the 2008 election. As tension built over the result it was clear that key states, including Ohio and Virginia, were voting in favour of the Democrats. However it will be in 2013 that Obama’s continued Presidency will be critically tested, with America reaching a critical financial junction and reforms to gun legislation, following the tragic events of the Newtown shooting, testing his political strength in Congress.
1. London 2012 Olympics (July-August)
Despite all the political events of 2012 no event brought people closer together or captured the spirit of a nation more than the London Olympics. Hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics was seen by many as difficult challenge to a nation going through one of the most severe economic crisis’s in history, however it was unanimously declared one of the most successful Olympics in history and saw Britain at the centre of the world’s focus, both as hosts and as one of the world’s great sporting nations. However it was the spirit and national pride that the Olympics inspired that would be the true lasting legacy on this sporting event and for this reason 2012, for British people at least, will be the year the Olympics returned to London.
A Little View of the World 