International news 2017
Here are some of the major international news stories from 2017:
Politics and Diplomacy
- The United States withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
- North Korea conducts a series of nuclear tests, including a hydrogen bomb test in September, sparking international condemnation and tensions with the US and other countries.
- The United States and Russia impose sanctions on each other, with the US expelling 35 Russian diplomats and seizing Russian-owned properties in response to Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
- The European Union and the United Kingdom begin negotiations on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU, known as Brexit.
- The Trump administration announces its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, sparking widespread protests and condemnation from the Arab world and other countries.
Conflict and War
- The Syrian Civil War continues, with the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia and Iran, fighting against rebel groups and extremist organizations such as ISIS.
- The Iraqi government declares victory over ISIS in Mosul, but the group continues to carry out attacks and hold territory in other parts of the country.
- The Yemen Civil War continues, with a Saudi-led coalition fighting against Houthi rebels and causing widespread humanitarian suffering.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo experiences a major Ebola outbreak, with over 3,000 cases reported and hundreds of deaths.
Economy and Business
- The global economy experiences a period of slow growth, with many countries struggling to recover from the 2008 financial crisis.
- The US Federal Reserve raises interest rates several times, sparking concerns about the impact on the global economy.
- The European Central Bank announces plans to wind down its quantitative easing program, which has been used to stimulate the economy.
- The UK's decision to leave the EU, known as Brexit, causes uncertainty and volatility in financial markets.
Natural Disasters
- Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in Texas, causing widespread flooding and damage in Houston and other parts of the state.
- Hurricane Maria devastates Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, causing an estimated 3,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
- A series of wildfires breaks out in California, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and causing significant damage.
- A powerful earthquake strikes Mexico, killing hundreds of people and causing widespread damage.
Health and Science
- The World Health Organization declares the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a global health emergency.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a surge in cases of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, sparking concerns about declining vaccination rates.
- Scientists announce the discovery of a new species of human, Homo luzonensis, found in the Philippines.
- NASA's Cassini spacecraft ends its 13-year mission to Saturn, providing a wealth of new information about the planet and its moons.
Sports
- The 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup is held in Russia, with Germany winning the tournament.
- The 2017 Rugby Championship is held in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, with New Zealand winning the tournament.
- The 2017 Formula One World Championship is won by Lewis Hamilton, who drives for Mercedes.
- The 2017 Tour de France is won by Chris Froome, who rides for Team Sky.
These are just a few of the many international news stories from 2017. It was a year marked by significant global events, from politics and conflict to natural disasters and scientific breakthroughs.