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J. Scott Applewhite

25 photos of the biggest world news stories of 2016

A lot of people thought 2016 was one of the worst years – here’s a quick visual recap of what happened.

WHEN WE HEAR of news stories from every corner of the world, it can be difficult to put ourselves in other’s shoes.

Sometimes the best way to understand what others are going through is through images.

So we’ve picked out some of the most striking imagery from this year that gives us an insight into what happened in 2016.

Migrant crisis (photo taken in January)

Greece Migrants AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Men wrapped in thermal blankets wait to get on board a ferry bound to Piraeus, at the port of Mytilene, on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Undeterred by the bitter cold and the rough winter seas, migrants risk the journey to Greece in the hope of a better future in Europe – most of them are Syrian refugees escaping the civil war.

Brussels bombings (March)

Belgium Attacks AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

People holding a banner reading “I am Brussels” behind flowers and candles to mourn for the victims at Place de la Bourse in the centre of Brussels.

Bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one of the city’s metro stations, killing 32 people and injuring more than 300 others. The attack was claimed by Isis, making it one of the most deadly acts of terrorism in Belgian history, and three national days of mourning were announced.

The Zika virus (March)

Cuba Zika AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

A horse grazes amid fumigation fog, released to kill Aedes Aegypti mosquitos in an attempt to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

The spread of the disease in South America (with some cases cited in the United States), led to warnings for pregnant women, or those who are at risk of becoming pregnant, to think twice before travelling.

It also caused quite a stir ahead of the Rio Olympic Games, prompting some athletes, Rory McIlroy included, not to compete this year.

Fleeing Syria (April)

Mideast Syria Back to Palmyra Hassan Ammar Hassan Ammar

In this picture, the Palmyra citadel is seen in the background as Syrian families load their belongings onto a bus in the town of Palmyra in the central Homs province, Syria.

Thousands of residents of this ancient town who fled Islamic State rule returned briefly to check on their homes and salvage what they can – some carpets, blankets, a fridge or a few family mementos.

Alberta forest fire (May)

Canada Wildfires AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Evacuees watch the wildfire near Fort McMurray, after the Canadian state of Alberta declared a state of emergency and evacuated homes of some 80,000 residents.

The gigantic flames swept across 1.5 million acres for two months before it was declared as under control by authorities. It’s the costliest disaster in Canadian history.

Orlando shooting (June)

Nightclub Shooting Reaction New York AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Candles, gay pride flags and flowers adorn a memorial for victims of the Stonewall riots, following a vigil and memorial for victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting near the historic Stonewall Inn, a gay bar.

29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire on a crowd in the nightclub Pulse, killing 49 people in what has been called the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

Brexit Boris (June)

London Olympic Games - Day 5 PA Archive / PA Images PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images

This picture sums it all up really – Brexit advocate Boris Johnson suspended (quite uncomfortably) in the air next to the London eye, clutching two British flags. To date, not much has changed.

On 23 June British citizens voted to leave the European Union – and will become the first country to do so. This sparked a lot of questions over the future of the EU, the future of the United Kingdom, and the future of democracy itself – as there was some speculation that people had been ‘sold a lie’ and didn’t fully understand what they were voting for.

Black Lives Matter (protests all year round, but this photo from July)

A demonstrator protesting the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling is detained by law enforcement in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On 5 July, Sterling was shot by police officers several times while being held on the ground outside a convenience store.

The incident was caught on video and sparked numerous protests, but this photo emphasises the peaceful nature of most organised protests – contrasted with the armed and padded civil police.

Barack Obama has spent his last year in office presiding over huge protests lamenting the many incidents where police officers make the decision to shoot civilian suspects based on the colour of their skin.

Bastille Day (July)

France Truck Attack Laurent Cipriani Laurent Cipriani

People gather at a makeshift memorial to honour the victims of an attack on a crowd watching the fireworks in Nice, southern France.

A large truck mowed through revelers gathered for Bastille Day, killing more than 80 people and sending people fleeing into the sea as it bore down for more than a mile along the Riviera city’s famed waterfront promenade.

Cuba’s freedom (photo taken July)

Cuba Fidel at 90 Desmond Boylan Desmond Boylan

A tourist looks at quote by Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro explaining in Spanish, ‘Why we say homeland or death,” on a wall at the entrance of a landmark private restaurant in Havana, Cuba.

In the run-up to his 90th birthday in August, appreciation for Fidel Castro’s legacy surged and was used by Cubans who sought to maintain Communist values in the face of mounting pressures to loosen control.

This year saw Cuba opening up its borders after historic talks with President Obama, and in November of this year, Castro passed away, leading to further debate around the influential leader’s legacy.

Failed Turkish coup (July)

Turkey Military Coup Emrah Gurel Emrah Gurel

Pro-government supporters, waving Turkish flags, protest on the road leading to Istanbul’s iconic Bosporus Bridge.

In the wake of a failed attempt by the military to take power from Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president reacted in the months that followed by increasing powers for himself, cracking down on outspoken figures in Turkey resulting in mass arrests; jailing journalists and shutting down media organisations and schools.

Khizr Khan (July)

Books-Constitution AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The father of a soldier killed while overseas as part of a US mission offered the then presidential nominee Donald Trump his copy of the American constitution in a powerful speech on what it means to be an American citizen.

Rio Olympics 2016

Rio Olympic Games 2016 - Day Fourteen Dmitri Lovetsky Dmitri Lovetsky

Cape Verde Islands’ Elyane Boal performs during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around qualifications at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This year’s Olympics had all sorts of bodies twisting and turning to come out on top as the winner.

Ireland had a mixed Olympic Games – with no medals from our boxing contenders despite high hopes, but the O’Donovan brothers and Annalise Murphy bringing home silverware from their respective water sports.

Boko Haram’s influence (August)

Nigeria Starving Children Sunday Alamba Sunday Alamba

A malnourished child receives health care at a feeding centre run by Doctors Without Borders in Maiduguri.

Children who escaped Boko Haram’s Islamic insurgency now are dying of starvation in refugee camps in northeastern Nigeria’s largest city – putting the country on the brink of a famine, according to aid agencies.

In October, Boko Haram released 21 of the missing 200 schoolgirls back to their families, with some of the girls returning as mothers.

Colombian peace deal (August)

Colombia Rebels At Ease Photo Gallery Fernando Vergara Fernando Vergara

Rebels of the 32nd Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, sit in a boat as they patrol the Mecaya river in the southern jungles of Putumayo, Colombia.

As the country’s half-century conflict winds down, and with a peace deal newly-approved, thousands of rebels are emerging from their hideouts and preparing for a life without arms.

Yemen in peril (September)

Mideast Yemen Hani Mohammed Hani Mohammed

An elderly man stands on the rubble of Alsonidar Group’s water pumps and pipes factory after it was hit by Saudi-led airstrikes in Sanaa.

A vicious but relatively unreported civil war has been going on between President Hadi’s government forces (aided by the Americans) and Huthi rebels. The conflict has killed more than 6,700 people – almost two-thirds of them are civilians.

Hurricane Matthew (October) 

Haiti Hurricane Matthew Rebecca Blackwell Rebecca Blackwell

A woman washes the cord used by fishing boats, in the polluted shoreline of the Philanthrope neighbourhood of Les Cayes, Haiti.

Many houses in the seaside fishing community lost their roofs and others were completely destroyed when Hurricane Matthew hit – affecting the southwestern part of the country.

Despite the call for humanitarian aid to help the 1.4 million people who needed help, many didn’t respond to the call, which was described as ‘a disgrace’ by the head of Concern.

Thai king’s death (October)

Thailand Elephants King Mark Baker Mark Baker

Mahouts lead a procession of 11 white elephants past the Grand Palace in honour of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok.

King Bhumibol died on 13 October after reigning for 70 years, plunging the country into grief and extended mourning. The official mourning period is set for one year.

Demolition of ‘The Jungle’ (October)

France Migrants Emilio Morenatti Emilio Morenatti

French police officers direct a migrant in the remains of the makeshift migrant camp known as ‘The Jungle’ near the port city of Calais, northern France.

French authorities cleared the camp of the thousands of migrants that had settled there in the hope of travelling to Britain. The camp was demolished in the space of a week because structures were deemed unsafe; meanwhile residents were directed to different ‘reception’ areas around France – but it’s not certain if all have arrived.

The Fight for Mosul (October)

Mideast Iraq Mosul Felipe Dana Felipe Dana

A US-backed campaign to crush Islamic State in its Iraqi stronghold has turned into a gruelling battle – entering its third month of intense fighting.

Elite army troops have retaken a quarter of the city, but their advance has been slow and punishing – with reports that members of Isis are using civilians as human shields.

President-to-be Donald Trump (November)

Obama Trump Pablo Martinez Monsivais Pablo Martinez Monsivais

President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands after meeting in the White House after the US presidential election. The businessman’s campaign dominated news headlines and became the topic of 2016 for defying the odds all the way to the Oval Office.

The rise of the right

farage-trump-3

Trump, the Time Person of the Year accompanied by his fellow nominee is pictured in a gold elevator shortly after the US election win. A sign of the politics to come in 2017, some analysts say.

Chapecoense plane crash (November)

Brazil Colombia Air Crash Andre Penner Andre Penner

Trucks carrying the coffins with the remains of Chapecoense soccer team members, victims of an air crash in Colombia, drive through the streets of Chapeco, Brazil. The airline whose plane crashed in Colombia killing over 70 people, including members of the Brazilian football team, was shut down after it emerged the pilot neglected to refuel for the journey.

Uncertainty in Europe (all year, photo from December)

Germany France Markus Schreiber Markus Schreiber

With turmoil in Europe caused by the migrant crisis, the uncertainty of Europe because of Brexit, upcoming elections in member states, and Obama moving aside to make room for Trump, Anegla Merkel is seen as the new leader the free world.

Merkel will have her own challenges ahead too. Germany have an election in the new year, and with stiff opposition from within her own party over her ‘open borders’ policy towards migrants, it’s going to be a tough year for Europe.

Aleppo under siege (Ongoing, photo from August)

Syria Airstrike AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

In this frame grab taken from video provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Aleppo Media Center, a child sits in an ambulance after being pulled out of a building hit by an airstirke in Aleppo – or what is left of it.

Additional reporting by the Press Association

Read: The 8 animals with the best comic timing in the world this year

Read: Dublin photographer’s portraits leave stars with ‘nowhere to hide’

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    Mute Enda Nolan
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:05 PM

    20 jobs that’s it folks recession is over

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    Mute Richard Cynical
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:10 PM

    5 point plan is still on track

    #sarcasm

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    Mute Mister Fantastic
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:29 PM

    I have to admit I was extremely impressed when Enda Kenny unveiled the 5 point plan back in 2011. I never knew he could count to 5.

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    Mute Sean O'Keeffe
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:38 PM

    ” Recent research into the efficacy of ‘trade missions’ shows mixed results. A Canadian study into the visits of Stephen Harper’s government ( pdf) showed that – for all the hubris and politicians’ vanity – they did squat for trade. They just took businessmen to sign deals that had been agreed already. They are great lobbying opportunities for the businessmen, and they help the politician pose as the friend of business. But evidence of them helping exports? ‘Small, negative and mainly insignificant effects’.”

    http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2012/04/the-trade-mission-delusion/

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    Mute Richard Cynical
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:49 PM

    We all know his advisors counted to 5 for him

    #generalknowledge

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    Mute Brian Sherry
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:03 PM

    20 jobs!? Is that a typo?

    Couldn’t give a shite about €40m belonging to private companies… We’ll not see a penny of it anyway…but are they seriously bragging about 20 jobs?

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    Mute John gaughan
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:08 PM

    Brain it looks that way they should had made it 26 jobs one for every county

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    Mute Mister Fantastic
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:25 PM

    20 jobs makes up for the amount of jobs lost since I started typing this comment. We need Bono to raise this plight at his next big gig: “Every time I clap my hands someone in Ireland has lost a job”

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    Mute Niall Mullins
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    Jun 28th 2014, 1:30 PM

    So stop clapping your hands!

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    Mute Mister Fantastic
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:32 PM

    In other news the government has sold €5.00 in 10 year bonds on the stock market today.

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    Mute James Lewis
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    Jun 29th 2014, 3:46 AM

    Good-day,

    I’m Mr. James Lewis. A reputable, legitimate & accredited lender. We give out loan of all kinds in a very fast and easy way, Personal Loan, Car Loan, Home Loan, Student Loan, Business Loan, Inventor loan, Debt Consolidation. etc

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    Mute Brian Sherry
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:12 PM

    And I wonder which politicians are listed as directors for those companies.

    Its not like the people will be benefitting from a private company getting rich….

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    Mute deerhounddog
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:45 PM

    I’m speechless, where can I apply for all these jobs ?
    I’d be ashamed to come back from a country with such a huge population and make that announcement. Sounds like a total failure for the mission. Kenny would want to shuffle him out some quiet door and send someone capable of promoting this country and people. Sack him!

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    Mute Michael
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:48 PM

    Compared to recent deals with China by other countries, this is charity!

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    Mute Michael Fennelly
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:18 PM

    Folks I am not the Goverments biggest fan but 20 jobs is still better than none. €40 million of which some Irish Compaines could receive by supplying services and goods.

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    Mute Enda Nolan
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:25 PM

    How many people are going come into the work force after finishing college 20 jobs is nt going be much help

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    Mute Sean O'Keeffe
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    Jun 28th 2014, 1:33 PM

    Michael €36 million of the €40 million are funds being invested by Irish companies in Asia. The remainder accounts for deals done between Asian and Irish companies. According to the article.

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    Mute Aoife Kally
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    Jun 28th 2014, 1:25 PM

    Only 20 jobs? Ah cmon now

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    Mute Sean O'Keeffe
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    Jun 28th 2014, 1:36 PM

    Might not even be that. The beauty of trade missions is that no one will check in 12 months to see if they actually delivered.

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    Mute simon shewster
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:59 PM

    Has to be a typo.

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    Mute Brian Sherry
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:34 PM

    So…5 million in
    36 million out.

    Are we…do we clap to this? I..just don’t know anymore

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    Mute Paul Circle
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    Jun 28th 2014, 1:41 PM

    Typical Dickee Bruton stuff. It will probably cost more to send that rich littleBruton sleeveen to Asia than the country will ever realise in employment.

    But as usual when useless rich mans friend Bruton is involved …… it’s hard to measure.

    God help us to rid ourselves of these useless greedy pigs like Bruton !

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    Mute Brian Sherry
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:48 PM

    Ah the redthumbs are out supportin they guvmints…but strangely… Have feck all to say

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    Mute Brian Sherry
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    Jun 28th 2014, 12:33 PM

    Wait….36 million in investments…In Asia.

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    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
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    Jun 28th 2014, 4:23 PM

    Twenty jobs for only forty million? Dat’s fab!!

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    Mute James Lewis
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    Jun 29th 2014, 3:49 AM

    Hello everyone,

    I am James Lewis, a private loan lender who gives life time opportunity loans.. Do you need a loan to pay off your bills and debts? Do you need funds to expand your business? Do you have bad credit card? Have you been rejected by credit union, banks and other financial agencies? So Worry no more, for we are here to render financial assistance to your loan crisis. We offer loan at a very reliable beneficiary low interest rate, we are also certify and accredited by government to issues out financial assistance to those who are in financial crisis. We are reputable, genuine and legitimate loan lender.

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    Mute Ljerka Pastuovic
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    Jul 12th 2014, 1:16 AM

    Hello everybody, I am Mrs Pastovic ,currently living in canada,I am a widow at the moment with two kids and i was stuck in a financial situation by august 2013 and i needed to refinance and pay my bills for my son medication. I tried seeking loans from various loan firms both
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    Mute seamus mcdermott
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    Jun 29th 2014, 5:36 PM

    Hey, let’s show a little gratitude for all that this government has done for us.

    OK. TIme’s up.

    1
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