2015 will be remembered for many important events in politics, sports and economy. We have chosen the most essential events of the last year by our personal opinion.
#5. DOUBLE TERRORIST ACTS IN PARIS
On January 7, two men armed with assault rifles shot the editor of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. In total, 13 people, including three policemen were killed. Islamists’ attack provoked mass demonstrations throughout France, which took place under the slogan Je suis Charlie.
On the night of November 14, in Paris, there was another series of terrorist attacks. As a result, 130 people were killed. After the attacks, France and Belgium have begun large-scale anti-terrorist operations. In addition, European countries have stepped up to the involvement in the military campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
#4. REFUGEES’ CRISIS
Since the beginning of 2015, Europe faced a huge influx of refugees from Asia and Africa. According to the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, for a year the EU had to welcome about 1.5 million illegal immigrants. Most of them traveled to Europe on boats across the Mediterranean.
Statistics spoke much: more than 3 thousand immigrants were killed. As the result, the EU’s population is divided into two camps: those who oppose the admission of refugees, and those who believe that migrants need to extend all possible assistance. However, the first group prevailed.
#3. ASSOCIATION OF DIAMOND MANUFACTURERS
Seven of the world’s largest gold mining companies have agreed to establish the Association of Diamond Manufacturers (Diamond Producers Association, DPA)
The founders of the Association are well-known brand names such as ALROSA, De Beers, Rio Tinto, Dominion Diamond Corporation, Lucara Diamond Corporation, Petra Diamonds Ltd and Gem Diamonds Ltd. Together they sent a joint effort to support the development of the diamond sector. The association’s activities will focus on two leading directions:
maintaining and strengthening consumer’s demand for diamonds, including marketing initiatives;
creation of a unified information and analytical basis for the diamond sector;
#2. CORRUPTION IN FIFA
If you are a football fan, this news might become the greatest shock for you. In May, during the corruption investigation carried by the US and Switzerland, several high-ranking FIFA officials were arrested. The arrested were stated by the American Prosecutor, admitted to extortion, fraud and money laundering.
As a result, two senior officials in the world of football – FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini – were suspended and prohibited to take up any position in the football industry for eight years.
#1. RUSSIA’S CAMPAIGN IN SYRIA
On September 30 by the demand of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia began to cause air strikes on the positions of the terrorist organization of the “Islamic State” (as claimed in the Russian General Staff) as well as opponents of President Assad (this fact is claimed by Western countries).
In the first weeks of military operations the Russian Federation reported the management on the destruction of tens of ISIS facilities and manpower.
The above are The World Events That Mattered Most in the year 2015