1. Sharp fluctuation in oil prices had the world in jitters
A petrol station in front of the OPEC headquarters is pictured in Vienna October 24, 2008. An emergency OPEC meeting on Friday reached swift agreement to chop production by 1.5 million barrels oil per day (bpd) as a first step toward halting a deep oil price slide.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
On Jan. 2, the price of crude oil futures in New York touched 100 U.S. dollars per barrel for the first time. Oil prices continued to increase to reach a new high of 147.27 dollars per barrel on July 11.
However, influenced by factors such as the world economic slow down, and decline in market speculation, international oil prices dropped significantly thereafter. New York oil prices fell to 33.87 dollars per barrel on Dec. 19, the lowest in five years.
2. Devastating cyclone ravages Myanmar
Children wait while rice is handed out near Kundangon May 11, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
3. Thailand rocked by continued political turmoil
Riot police stand guard outside the parliment building in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Dec. 15, 2008.(Xinhua/Niu Xiaolei) Photo Gallery>>>
4. No smooth sailing on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (4th L) takes a group photo with top nuclear negotiators in a fresh round of talks on the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on Dec. 11, 2008.(Xinhua File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
5. Beijing successfully holds Olympic and Paralympic Games
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday. Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
6. Russia-Georgia conflict deepens antagonism between Russia and US, Europe
7. Financial crisis seriously impacts world economy
8. Obama wins U.S. presidential election
9. Mumbai hit by terrorist attack
10. Mideast peace process heavily frustrated by Israeli airstrikes
Radovan Karadzic at the UN court in The Hague in late August.
December 31, 2008
As part of our look back at the year that was, we asked broadcasters, editors, and correspondents representing the 20 countries and 28 languages in which RFE/RL broadcasts to vote on what they thought were the top news events of the year. What stories did they think had the biggest impact? Here are their choices for the Top 10 news stories of 2008.
10. Radovan Karadzic Extradited To The Hague
He was barely recognizable when the world first glimpsed Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic after more than a decade on the run. He had disguised himself behind a bushy white beard and a head of long white hair.
Ten days later, on July 31, a clean-shaven Karadzic appeared before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity and genocide.
Eventually, the man known as the "Butcher of Bosnia" chose to defend himself, refused to enter pleas, and a tribunal judge entered pleas of not guilty to all charges on his behalf.
The trial is not expected to begin for a few months.
Meanwhile, the Balkans' other top fugitive war crimes suspect, Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, is still at large. Olympic torchbearers at the Great Wall on August 79. China Hosts Summer Olympics
Athletes and spectators loved the spectacular opening ceremonies and the memorable architecture of many of its sporting venues, while criticizing Beijing's air pollution.
U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals, while Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt set world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4-by-100-meter relay -- the first man to do so in one Olympics.
The Games marked the first time that China had hosted an Olympics.
But the choice sparked controversy. The Olympic torch relay was disrupted in several cities in protest at Beijing's poor human rights record. China agreed to lift Internet restrictions ahead of the Games, but reports say they're now back in place.
Nevertheless, the Beijing Games are going to be a tough act to follow for 2012 host London. more>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
that was a complete rundown of the things that somehow rocked and affected the world. the list allows us to look back, take stock and examine how we figure in the scheme of things. it looks like a depressing world altogether, but i am sure we have hope, somewhere...