• Stephane Mahe / Reuters
    Stephane Mahe / Reuters
  • Mussa Qawasma / Reuters
    Mussa Qawasma / Reuters
  • Courtesy Christo and Jeanne-Claude
    Courtesy Christo and Jeanne-Claude
  • Umit Bektas / Reuters
    Umit Bektas / Reuters

Year in review 2015: A year marked by tragedy and turmoil


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In our end-of-the-year review, The National takes a look at the momentous events that shaped the world in 2015.

The Year in Review

Fallen Heroes: The nation mourned its brave servicemen with pride and sadness

Migrant Crisis: With hundreds of thousands of people fleeing to Europe, Justin Marozzi ponders what lies ahead

Oil Price Drops: GCC countries sought to diversify their economies, and quickly, as crude values fell

Climate Deal: The Paris accord fell far short of requirements, but the good news is it matters less

Erdogan Survives: Turkey's president comes out fighting after a tough year

War in Syria: Russian intervention only adds to the uncertainty over Syria's post-war future

Extremism Spreads: Far from hotspots in the Middle East, terror groups have been sowing mayhem

Sporting Scandal: Fifa's suspended president Sepp Blatter was not alone in a dark year for sport

Love from Mars: Startling finds on Earth and in the stars marked an outstanding year in science

In the News

French Terror: It has been a tragic year for France. Colin Randall reports on the country's violent trials.

Struggle in Palestine: Israel's actions have ended hopes of a two-state solution. Joseph Dana asks which way now?

Iran Deal: The nuclear deal with Iran signals a new phase in Arab-American relations, Taimur Khan writes.

China's Economy: As the country's growth slows, Paul Mooney finds its Communist leaders feeling the pressure.

Myanmar Election: Aung San Suu Kyi must take on the military after her party's stunning victory, Fiona MacGregor says.

A Nobel for Tunisia: Under attack, then feted by the Nobel Committee, Tunisia's mixed fortunes.

Greek Crisis: The world watched as Greece stood on the brink of financial meltdown. Kit Gillet saw the drama unfold.

Pictures of the Year

Looking Back: The best images from 2015

Personal Touch: Zaineb Al Hassani picks the people who have made great contributions to the arts, politics and sport

The Year in Life and Culture

Books: In a year of hype and hot air, Malcolm Forbes found plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages.

Music: Farewell old certainties, Andy Battaglia has been intrigued by a year of strange musical hybrids.

Exhibitions: From the origins of man to nascent modernism, Nick Leech picks the best things to see in 2016.

A Look Ahead

Money: A big boost for renewables, an uncertain future for the jumbo jet and the stamina of the US dollar

Politics: An unfettered Iran, the Republican party's shrinking appeal and Russia's diplomatic moves

Technology: A new freer World Wide Web, virtual reality becomes more real and the wires are cut