News of the World, 2008

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff
2008 Year in Review

2008 news of the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe

by Beth Rowen and Liz Olson
Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe

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For the first half of 2008, much of the world was focused on global warming, the urgent need for alternate sources of energy, and the global food crisis. These issues took a backseat in the fall, however, as the U.S. financial crisis quickly spread, wreaking havoc in all corners of the world. Indeed, Iceland went bankrupt, Pakistan was forced to borrow $7.6 billion from the International Monetary Fund, and China announced a $586 billion stimulus package. In addition to the economic woes, dozens of countries confronted protracted civil wars, wars on new fronts, and ongoing internal turmoil. Here's a look at some of the world's hotspots in 2008.

Conditions Deteriorate in Afghanistan

The U.S. plans to deploy additional troops to Afghanistan as violence there intensifies

India Rocked By a Wave of Terrorist Attacks

India experienced a series of deadly terrorist attacks in 2008

Iraq on the Path Toward Effective Leadership

In 2008, the Iraqi government made progress on both legislative and security fronts

Hopes Are Dashed for Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians Under the Bush Administration

Internal problems squander Bush's hope for a peace agreement under his administration

Kosovo Declares Independence

In February 2008, Kosovo became the world's 195th country

North Korea Continues Roller Coaster Diplomacy

North Korea maintained its unpredictable diplomatic course in 2008

Changing of the Guard in Pakistan

A new government took over after the resignation of President Pervez Musharraf

Putin Retains Power

Although Russian president Vladimir Putin stepped down in 2008, he refused to relinquish power

Russian-Georgian Conflict

The war between Russia and Georgia heightened tensions between Russia and the West

Turmoil Within South Africa's Ruling Party

A new political party challenges the leadership of the ANC

Elections Fail to Bring Change or Hope to Zimbabwe

The quality of life deteriorated further in Zimbabwe in 2008

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