Foreign news 2017

Here are some of the most significant foreign news stories from 2017:

Politics and Diplomacy

  1. North Korea's Nuclear Tests: North Korea conducted multiple nuclear tests in 2017, including two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests, which sparked international condemnation and led to increased tensions with the United States and other countries.
  2. Trump's Travel Ban: The United States implemented a travel ban targeting seven predominantly Muslim countries, which was met with widespread protests and legal challenges.
  3. Brexit: The United Kingdom officially left the European Union (EU) on March 29, 2017, marking a significant shift in global politics and trade.
  4. French Presidential Election: Emmanuel Macron won the French presidential election, defeating far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and becoming the youngest president in French history.

Conflicts and Crises

  1. Syrian Civil War: The conflict in Syria continued to rage, with the Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, fighting against rebel groups and extremist organizations like ISIS.
  2. Yemen Civil War: The conflict in Yemen escalated, with a Saudi-led coalition launching airstrikes against Houthi rebels, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and civilian casualties.
  3. Rohingya Crisis: The Myanmar military launched a crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority, leading to a massive exodus of refugees to Bangladesh and international condemnation.
  4. South China Sea Disputes: Tensions escalated in the South China Sea, with China, the Philippines, and other countries disputing territorial claims and engaging in military exercises.

Economy and Trade

  1. Global Trade Wars: The United States and China engaged in a trade war, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods and services.
  2. Brexit's Impact on the EU: The UK's departure from the EU led to uncertainty and volatility in global financial markets, with the pound and euro experiencing significant fluctuations.
  3. OPEC's Oil Production Cuts: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major oil producers agreed to cut oil production, leading to a surge in oil prices and economic uncertainty.
  4. Cryptocurrency Boom: The value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum skyrocketed, with many investors and companies jumping into the market.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Issues

  1. Hurricane Harvey: A devastating hurricane hit Texas and Louisiana, causing widespread flooding and damage.
  2. Wildfires in the United States and Canada: Severe wildfires broke out in the western United States and Canada, forcing evacuations and destroying thousands of homes.
  3. Hurricane Maria: A powerful hurricane devastated Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
  4. Climate Change: The world continued to grapple with the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and extreme weather events.

These are just a few of the many significant foreign news stories from 2017. It was a year marked by global uncertainty, conflict, and change.