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The year 2018 witnessed some unforeseen bonds and unlikely alliances. As the year comes to an end, Outlook picked some of the important international events of the year that made headlines.
Trump-Russia Probe
US President Donald Trump election campaign grabbed the attention of media in the year 2018 as well. The probe into the alleged involvement of Russia in the US 2016 presidential election continued this year as well. During the ongoing investigation it was revealed that many of the Trump associates were found guilty for illegal activities.
Thailand Cave Rescue
The Thailand cave rescue was operation shook the world in 2018 where 12 boys and their soccer coach were trapped in a cave when monsoon flood blocked the exit. The incident took place on June 23 at Tham Luang cave complex in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand. The team was found after 10 day by a British rescued the dishevelled and hungry group perched on a ledge four kilometres (2.5 miles) inside the cave.
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North Korea Denuclearization
The decision of South and North Korea took everyone by surprise when on September 19 both the countries signed agreement for peace.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined hands together for beginning of a new era. Meanwhile, North Korea also agreed to denuclearization.
Sri Lanka Turmoil
The Lankan political turmoil began on October 26 when Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suddenly removed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed a replacement. Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was installed, is a former president who presided over the end of Sri Lanka’s 25-year civil war and has been accused of serious human rights abuses during his rule from 2005 to 2015. Later, Wickremesinghe was reinstated as the political drama came full circle within a span of two months.
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Imran Khan as Pakistan’s New Prime Minister
Pakistan for the second time since 1947 witnessed a civilian government as Imran Khan was sworn in as its prime minister on August 17 after his party the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) won the general elections in the country that saw the incumbent PML-N governement being ousted from power.
Indonesia Flight Crash
An Indonesian Lion Air Boeing flight carrying 189 people crashed into the Java Sea on October 29 minutes after taking off from Jakarta, with no sign of survivors. The Boeing 737, JT 610, disappeared from the radar 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang on the Indonesian island of Bangka.
Jamal Khashoggi's Murder
The brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul created tremors around the world. The journalist who was a native of Saudi Arabia, was believed to be killed as directed by Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Though the US Senate passed a resolution blaming the prince for the death, it was opposed by President Trump.
US-China Trade War
Two most powerful economy --China and the United States-- are engaged in a trade war that disturbed the entire global market scenario in 2018. Both the counties faced issues with traffic placed on goods traded between them. Even though US President Donald Trump during his campaign had promised to solve issue with China, however, the two global powers failed to draw common grounds to end this war.
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Cambridge Analytica
Cambridge Analytica a London-based government and military contractor faced fire as it was revealed during a sting operation that the firm was helping political clients by using fake news and manipulating facts. It also came to notice that company use personal data to influence results in political scenarios.
North Korea-United States Summit
On 12 June 2018, US President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. This was the first ever meeting between a sitting US President and a North Korean leader.
Tsunami In Indonesia
On December 22, a volcanic eruption triggered a tsunami which neighbouring island of Java and southern Sumatra, killing at least 426 and leaving more than 7,000 injured.
