The Events that Shaped 2014
From the rise of ISIS and the triple airline catastrophes of Malaysian airlines, to Africa’s deadly Ebola outbreak and Israel’s war on Gaza, it often seemed like 2014 was overburdened with horrific events. But even though they can’t outweigh the tragedies, a bridge-building papal visit to the Holy Land and a glorious World Cup provided reasons for hope and cheer. Venture takes a look back at 2014 with a selection of pictures.
Vatican City, April 7 (Photo credit: The Royal Court)
King Abdullah II meets with Pope Francis in Vatican City.
Gaza, November 2 (© Ezz al-Zanoun/NurPhoto/Corbis)
Children walk between the rubble from buildings destroyed during the 50-day war between Hamas and Israel that resulted in the deaths of nearly 2,200 Palestinians.
Cyprus, October 31 (© Yiannis Kourtoglou/Demotix/Corbis )
Medical staff participate in an Ebola drill at the Nicosia general hospital. The outbreak of the disease killed thousands across West Africa.
Malaysia, July 20 (© adibsaufee/Demotix/Corbis)
A vigil is held in Kuala Lumpur for the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 after it was shot down in Eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people on board. This year also witnessed the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 with 239 people on board on March 8, and more recently the crash of an AirAsia flight with 162 passengers and crew members.
Germany, July 15 (© Jan Woitas/dpa/Corbis)
Players of the German national soccer team celebrate their win of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, following their return to Berlin.
Tunisia, November 15 (© Chedly Ben Ibrahim/Demotix/Corbis)
Tunisian President-elect, Beji Caid Essebsi greets supporters, as he delivers a speech during the presidential campaign rally.
Hong Kong, October 28 (© Guillaume Payen/NurPhoto/Corbis)
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters take to the streets in Hong Kong after China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) announced its decision to restrict electoral reforms.
United States, September 24 (© Allan Tannenbaum/CNP/AdMedia/AdMedia/Corbis)
US President Barack Obama holds a bilateral meeting at the United Nations with Iraq’s new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who was appointed after Nouri al-Maliki was forced to give up his post after eight years as premier.
Iraq (Image taken from a propaganda video by the Islamic State)
Members of the Islamic State, or ISIS, can be seen in a convoy travelling through Iraq.
United States, May 6 (© Mary F. Calvert/ZUMA Press/Corbis)
Women protest against the abduction of over 200 girls by the terrorist Boko Haram group in northern Nigeria, in front of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Scotland, September 19 (© P Nutt/Demotix/Corbis)
A pro-union rally in Glasgow, where a national referendum was held asking people if Scotland should be an independent country. The “No” option eventually prevailed, achieving 55.3 percent of votes, and Scotland remained part of the UK.
China, September 19 (© Imaginechina/Corbis)
Chinese employees of Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce giant, take photos to celebrate Alibaba’s $25 billion IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.
