Sunday 5 January 2020

2019 look back

In 2019, several significant events took place around the world.

  1. Brexit: The United Kingdom faced ongoing negotiations and political debates surrounding its withdrawal from the European Union. In March 2019, the original Brexit deadline was extended, and the process continued to shape global politics and economies.

  2. Hong Kong Protests: Mass protests erupted in Hong Kong against a proposed extradition bill, which later expanded into broader demands for democratic rights and autonomy. The demonstrations continued throughout the year, with clashes between protesters and police.

  3. Impeachment of Donald Trump: The impeachment inquiry against the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, began in 2019. The House of Representatives impeached him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, although he was acquitted by the Senate in 2020.

  4. Sudanese Revolution: A popular uprising in Sudan led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who had been in power for three decades. This marked a significant moment of political change in the country, as protestors demanded a civilian-led transitional government.

  5. New Zealand Mosque Shootings: In March 2019, a terrorist attack took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, targeting two mosques during Friday prayers. The attack resulted in the deaths of 51 people and highlighted the need to address rising Islamophobia and extremism.

  6. Amazon Rainforest Fires: The Amazon rainforest experienced a surge in wildfires during 2019, sparking international concern over deforestation and its impact on climate change. The fires prompted discussions about environmental policies and the protection of vital ecosystems.

  7. Greta Thunberg and Climate Activism: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg gained global recognition for her efforts in raising awareness about climate change and demanding action from world leaders. Her speeches and protests inspired youth-led climate movements worldwide.

  8. Protests in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon: Protests erupted in several countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, with citizens expressing grievances against corruption, economic hardships, and political leadership. These demonstrations highlighted socio-political issues and demands for reform.

  9. Trade Disputes: Trade tensions escalated between the United States and China, as both countries imposed tariffs on each other's goods. The trade disputes had wide-ranging implications for global trade and economic stability.

  10. World Sporting Events: 2019 hosted several major sporting events, including the Cricket World Cup, FIFA Women's World Cup, and the Rugby World Cup. These tournaments brought together athletes from around the world and captured international attention.