World News
Major World News Stories of 2011
by Beth Rowen
The year 2011 was undoubtedly one of the most momentous in recent memory. Indeed, the Arab Spring brought down several long-entrenched Middle Eastern leaders, U.S. Navy SEALS killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, the Palestinians requested statehood at the UN, and the euro debt crisis threatened the stability of Europe. With the continued instability in both the Middle East and Europe, 2012 looks to be just as tumultuous. Here's an overyview and analysis of some of the biggest international stories of 2011.
Arab Spring Creates Tumult in the Middle East
Anti-government demonstrations gripped several countries in the Middle East in 2011
European Nations Battered by Euro Debt Crisis
The leaders of Greece, Italy, and Spain lost their jobs as a result of the financial debacle
Osama bin Laden Killed in Pakistan
The mastermind behind the September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks is finally found and killed
Iran Continues to Pursue Nuclear Program
Report of continued progress in nuclear program draws harsher sanctions
U.S. Withdraws Completely from Iraq
President Obama announced in October that all troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year
Hope for Peace Fades for Israelis and Palestinians
Palestinian request statehood at UN dashes hope for peace
Pakistan's Relationship with U.S. Steadily Deteriorates
Series of events further strains already tense situation
Earthquake in Japan Causes Wide Destruction and a Nuclear Disaster
9.0 magnitude earthquake triggered a nuclear crisis
Parliamentary Elections Spark Massive Anti-Kremlin Protests in Russia
Vladimir Putin's Party Accused of Voting Fraud
Phone-Hacking Scandal a Major Embarrassment for Media Mogul
News of the World Controversy Becomes World News
World Population Reaches a New Milestone
The world's population reached 7 billion on October 31, 2011
London Hosts a Royal Wedding
Prince William and Kate Middleton Marry in a Lavish Ceremony
Leader of North Korea Dies
The uncertainty following Kim Jong-il's death put the world on high alert
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