Flashback 2009: a few disappointments, so much to look forward to

We are about to say goodbye to the year 2009. There were few disappointments, but there are also plenty of things to be happy about in 2009. Things that could have been great, but were ordinary. Few events were downright depressing. However, despite some letdowns, there are reasons to be optimistic. Lets figure out the top five stories of 2009 that in some way will have a lasting impact.

• The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 held in Copenhagen, Denmark: While the world leaders were engaged in 'playing politics' on the issue of preventing our earth from getting warmer, a news report said that 2009 is likely to rank as one of the 10 warmest in the last 159 years. Yet the leaders failed to agree on a legally- binding treaty to tackle climate change through massive emission cuts. The conference which according to UN chief Ban Ki-moon, was expected to be 'a defining moment in history' failed to generate consensus on some of the key issues. Optimists say that Copenhagen summit was the first step towards achieving the desired emission reduction level to limit the global temperature rise. But if they are true, then it is the first step of what seems like a long and difficult road ahead.

• The outbreak of the H1N1 influenza strain (swine flu):  H1N1 influenza commonly referred as Swine-flu first appeared in Mexico and the United States and soon spread out to more than 200 countries and territories. It was declared a global pandemic, the first condition since the Hong Kong flu of 1967–1968 to receive this designation. There have been over 12000 deaths reported so far due to swine-flu besides half a million others infected. As a precautionary measure, people started using facial masks. Now-a-days, facial masks have became a common sight at schools, workplaces and other public places. Though, masks may prove beneficial for people coming in close contact with infected persons but whether they prevent swine flu infection remains doubtful.
  

• The Sri Lankan Civil War ended with the defeat of LTTE: Following more than three decades of relentless fighting, Sri Lanka managed to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) force thus bringing the longest running armed conflicts in Asia to an end. After a series of massive offensives, the Sri Lankan forces emerged winner in the battle against the rebellious LTTE. The civil war claimed lives of over 70,000 and displaced more than 200000 people.

• The world economy started to recover: The global economy has shown signs of recovery though it's not completely escaped from the recession. The unprecedented policy intervention by the world economic powers has provided with a hope of recovery after the economy plunged down for two consecutive years. Asian economies like China and India stood as the driving force behind this rebound. However, International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the recovery is largely due to massive public spending by governments and the underlying economy may not be strong enough. IMF predicts that unemployment will continue to rise in the coming years and the path to recovery may not be smooth.
  

• Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Barack Obama: Many of you may not agree with me, but I believe that Nobel 'peace' prize awarded to the US president is one of the most interesting stories of the year. This unexpected honor was given to Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. The incident elicited both praise and doubts world-wide. There were questions raised whether he deserved this award. But what I feel is the prize has brought perhaps more burden than glory for Obama and it's definitely a good news.
  

I have selected the top five headlines of the year 2009. However, you may differ with me. It was difficult to choose few stories from many equally important ones that happened during the year. Some of the other significant stories include: the deadliest bushfire in Australia’s history that killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless, Morgan Tsvangirai sworn in as the Prime Minister in Zimbabwe following the power-sharing deal with President Robert Mugabe, terrorist attack on a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, North Korea announcement that it has conducted a second successful nuclear test in the province of North Hamgyong, sudden death of Pop king Michael Jackson that shocked the entire world,  the deadliest attack on journalists in recent history in which 57 people were abducted and killed in an election- related massacre in the Philippines, the presidential election in Iran that triggered a series of violent demonstrations, the landslide victory of Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in Japanese parliamentary elections in more than five decades that promises to change Japan's foreign policy (which, at present, heavily favors the United States) and, so on.

As in case with every year, 2009 also had some good and some awful moments. Let's pray for a better year ahead. Lets hope that wisdom will prevail in choosing the right path whenever we face with two diverging roads in life. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous New year 2010 !