Top World Headlines of 2017

Top+World+Headlines+of+2017

Rhea Rohr

Over the last year, the world has been jam-packed with major events that shaped 2017. Here are the top five occurrences that shaped the year all over the planet.

International Women’s Day – On March 8, millions celebrated International Women’s Day, a day to commemorate all of the struggles and achievements of women throughout the world. New York adopted the day in the early 1900’s, and numerous countries have followed suit since. In Australia, over 1000 female workers went on strike to protest unfair wages and lack of funding for early education. In China, however, there were very few marches, as protests are not as welcome and could lead to arrests. Iceland announced The Equal Pay Standard, declaring that they will become the first country worldwide that has equal pay, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality. Ireland marches were protesting the right to the unborn, which banned abortion. Countless countries held marches to protest the wage gap, sexual assault, and inequalities towards women, including Japan, India, Indonesia, and more. It is anticipated that next year, even more areas will join in the marches and celebrations, as it grows larger with every passing year.

Syrian Gas Attack – On the fourth of April, there was a chemical attack on the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun, which had been held by rebels. Witnesses claimed the attack occurred early in the morning, when most people would be sleeping. Warplanes dropped gas bombs on several buildings, killing over 80, including those who tried to help the injured after the initial explosion. Several hundred were left injured.  “It was like a winter fog,” said 14-year-old witness Mariam Abu Khalil. The attacks were targeted at clinics and the Syria Civil Defense headquarters, which held rescue workers. The Syrian president denied the attack, and claimed it was fabricated as justification for the United States to retaliate, which we did with. After viewing videos and photos of gassed children, Trump changed his “hands-off” stance on Syria and gave the order to unleash 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Al Shayrat airfield in western Syria, where the chemical weapons attack originated.

Manchester Arena Bombing – May 22, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, a home-made bomb detonated, killing 22. The culprit, Salman Abedi, 22, died in the explosion, and his brothers and cousins were arrested for questioning.  On June 4, Ariana Grande held a “One Love Manchester” benefit concert in the stadium that raised $2.6 million for the victims. The star-studded benefit concert had appearances by hit-makers Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, Liam Gallagher, Marcus Mumford, Pharrell Williams and others and sold out within six minutes.

North Korea – Over the last year, tensions have been growing between the United States and North Korea. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump have gone head-to-head via insults through speeches, interviews, and Twitter. In July, North Korea successfully tested launching their first intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of targeting all the way to Alaska. In September, they recorded their most powerful nuclear test yet with what they claimed was a hydrogen bomb. The two presidents continued to challenge each other, Trump referring to Kim Jong-un as “little rocket man.” Many worry that North Korea will actually respond by bombing the US, but others continue to believe that this is just a modern Cold War.

Zimbabwe – November 21, Zimbabwe’s president for the last 37 years, Robert Mugabe, resigned at the threat of an impeachment trial. Much of the country was overjoyed at the news, as Mugabe had been asserting more and more control, turning himself into more of a dictator than a lovable ruler. He and his wife, Grace Mugabe, were granted 10 million dollars as a cushioning fund. On top of that, February 21 is now a national holiday to celebrate Mugabe, in honor of his birthday. He is being succeeded by President Mnangagwa. Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister, said Mugabe’s resignation “provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule.”