2011 in politics explained

See also: 2010s political history.

These are some of the notable events relating to politics in 2011.

Events

January

• January 1 – Brazil inaugurates first female President, Dilma Rousseff
• January 6 – Investigation continues into BP oil spill off Gulf of Mexico^[1]
• January 8 – American congresswoman Gabby Giffords shot in Arizona
• January 14 – Amid the 2010–2011 Tunisian protests, long-time president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali dissolved the government, and flees the country due to opposition and military intervention, Tunisian PM steps in as interim President
• January 16 – Former president Jean-Claude Duvalier returns to Haiti 25 years after being overthrown^[2]
• January 17 – Reports of self-immolation spread across Africa^[3]
• January 17 – Allegations of sexual misconduct committed by Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi grow^[4]
• January 18 – Obama hosts Chinese President Hu at private dinner^[5]
• January 20 – New Tunisian government lifts bans on previously outlawed political groups, frees political prisoners^[6]
• January 22 – Algerians defy ban on government protests, protest in capital^[7]
• January 23 – The Green Party of Ireland pulls out of Irish government, forcing early elections^[8]
• January 24 – Suicide bomb detonated at Domodedovo airport in Russia^[9]
• January 24 – Protests in Yemeni capital Sanaa, spurned on by changes in Tunisia^[10]
• January 27 – Egyptian opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei return to Cairo amid political unrest
• January 29 – Protest in Egypt continue, spurned on by reports from Tunisia, protesters believe President will soon step down^[11]
• January 30 – In a preliminary vote, 99% of South Sudan votes to split from the North, brought about by the 2005 peace agreement which ended two decades of war^[12]
• January 30 – Protesters in London march against Egyptian President Mubarak^[13]
• January 31 – Egyptian army rules out the use of force against the thousands of protesters across the country^[14]

February

• February 1 – King Abdullah II, King of Jordan, dismisses the government of Jordan, appoints new PM with orders to implement political reform^[15]
• February 1 – Egyptian President Mubarak says he will not run again after his current term ends, protesters do not capitulate^[16]
• February 3 – Gunfire in central Cairo, as pro-Mubarak protesters clash with anti-Mubarak protesters^[17]
• February 4 – Crowds grow in Tahrir Square as protesters rally to celebrate day of departure^[18]
• February 7 – Egyptian government raises pay of public sector workers by 15% in attempt to quell protests^[19]
• February 8 – North Korea and South Korea initiate military talks after year long hiatus^[20]
• February 11 – Amid the 2011 Egyptian revolution, long-time president Hosni Mubarak resigns
• February 12 – Egypt's military leaders, currently in control of country, pledge to uphold all existing international treaties^[21]
• February 13 – Egypt's military, currently in control of country, dissolve parliament and suspend constitution, stating they will control the country for 6 months or until elections can be held^[22]
• February 13 – Italian women stage anti Berlusconi demonstrations, in wake of allegations of sexual misconduct^[23]
• February 14 – Large protests around Algerian capital, protesters call for democratic leadership^[24]
• February 16 – Protests erupt in Benghazi, Libya^[25]
• February 16 – Police and pro democracy protesters clash] in Manama Bahrain^[26]
• February 20 – Clashes across the city of Benghazi leave 200 dead and 900 injured^[27]
• February 20 – Security forces shut down protests in Tehran^[28]
• February 22 – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi refuses to stand down amid wide spread protests^[29]
• February 25 – Barack Obama announces American sanctions against Gaddafi's Libya^[30]
• February 26 – UN Security Council unanimously approves sanctions against Libya^[31]
• February 27 – Unrest in Libya spark border crisis, as civilians attempting to flee violence cross into neighboring countries^[32]

March

• March 2 – Pakistani minority minister Shahbaz Bhatti killed in ambush in Islamabad^[33]

• March 4 – Libyan security forces force protesters from Tripoli, Gaddafi's stronghold^[34]
• March 5 – Saudi Arabia imposes ban on protests^[35]
• March 9 – Wisconsin bans collective bargaining for state's public employees^[36]
• March 10 – Security forces in Saudi Arabia shoot at protesters^[37]
• March 13 – Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan cause massive damage, Japanese Prime Minister says it is the worst crisis since the Second World War^[38]
• March 17 – UN Security Council approve a no fly zone in Libya in an effort to protect civilians^[39]
• March 20 – Egyptian voters vote in favor of constitutional amendments that pave the way for elections in June^[40]
• March 23 – 15 protesters are killed in Syria when security forces clash with anti-government protesters^[41]
• March 30 – Libya's foreign minister defects while in Britain, claims attacks on civilians as reason for defection^[42]
• March 30 – Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad does not lift state of emergency, in place for several decades^[43]

April

• April 3 – Protests spread in eastern Afghanistan in reaction to a Florida Priest burning the Quran^[44]

• April 6 – Portugal to seek bailout from EU, cite rising debt and inability to raise funds on international markets^[45]
• April 10 – France begins enforcing a ban on face veils, begins detaining those wearing face veils^[46]
• April 12 – Ex president of the Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo is detained by UN recognized Ivory Coast government led by Alassane Ouattara, when Gbagbo refused to cede power after November elections^[47]
• April 13 – Egyptian prosecutors order the detention of Mubarak and his sons^[48]
• April 14 – American Congress votes to approve budget bill, financing the government through September^[49]
• April 20 – Syrian government passes law to lift decades old state of emergency, dissolve state security courts, and pass law to allow peaceful protests^[50]
• April 22 – Japanese government approves a disaster relief budget of 4 trillion Yen to begin the cleanup from March's tsunami^[51]
• April 23 – At least 75 people are killed in clashes between security forces and anti-regime protesters in Syria, planned funerals expected to draw large crowds^[52]
• April 23 – Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh agrees to step down in exchange for immunity for him and his family, Saleh held power for 32 years^[53]
• April 24 – Pope Benedict XVI calls for peace in the Middle East and Africa, and mentions the plight of the Japanese people in Easter message^[54]
• April 27 – The Palestinian movements of Hamas and Fatah announced that they are ready to form a unity government, raising hopes for a more unified Palestine^[55]
• April 27 – President Obama releases his birth certificate^[56]
• April 29 – Prince William marries Catherine Middleton in royal wedding at Westminster Abbey^[57]
• April 30 – Syrian security forces surround and raid the Omari Mosque in Daraa^[58]
• April 30 – Gaddafi's youngest son and three grandchildren are killed in a Nato airstrike in Tripoli^[59]

May

• May 1 – Osama bin Laden was killed in his compound by a US Navy.
• May 1 – Pope John Paul II is beatified^[60]
• May 2 – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wins majority in election, New Democratic Party takes opposition^[61]
• May 7 – The Pentagon releases the home videos of Osama Bin Laden, seized during raid on Bin Laden's compound^[62]
• May 12 – American and Pakistan officials question the wives of Osama bin Laden who were captured during the raid^[63]
• May 13 – Pakistani officials condemn unilateral American raid and drone strikes inside Pakistan^[64]
• May 16 – The head of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn is charged with an alleged sexual assault on a hotel maid^[65]
• May 16 – Israeli security forces and Pro-Palestinian protesters clash along Israel border, during Nakba Day protests^[66]
• May 17 – Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom honors Irish people killed while fighting for independence from Britain^[67]
• May 19 – President Obama gives speech outlining America's policy toward the Middle East, specifically addressing the recent uprisings and protests occurring in the Arab world^[68]
• May 20 – President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu admit they do not share the same ideals on the path to Middle Eastern Peace^[69]
• May 24 – President Obama praises the United Kingdom's special ties with the United States, specifically citing their continued support post 9/11, and continued military support^[70]
• May 27 – Leaders meeting at the G8 summit in France say that Gaddafi must step down, British PM Cameron and French President Sarkozy plan visit to Libya^[71]
• May 29 – FIFA suspends 2 top executives amid bribery allegations, clears top executive Blatter^[72]
• May 30 – South African President Jacob Zuma visits Libya on a peace mission, seeking a diplomatic solution to the ongoing Libyan protests^[73]

June

• June 3 – Syrian security forces open fire on protester killing 34, government cuts Internet access in attempt to quell protests^[74]
• June 4 – Long time Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh heads to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment for injuries sustained during a rocket attack, the President's absence from the country prompted protests and rumors of his stepping down^[75]
• June 5 – Ollanta Humala is elected President of Peru
• June 13 – Several doctors and nurses from Bahrain go on trial for allegedly taking control of a hospital, storing weapons, and holding prisoners during anti-government protests^[76]
• June 18 – The Obama administration announced that they would begin peace talks with the Taliban, plan to eventually hand talks over to Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his peace council^[77]
• June 19 – The European Union announced that Greece would receive more loans to prevent the country from defaulting on previous loans^[78]
• June 21 – A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Ben Ali and his wife to jail in absentia for 35 years, for embezzlement and missing public funds^[79]

• June 22 – President Obama announced his plans to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and a total of 33,000 by the middle of 2012^[80]
• June 25 – Chinese activist Hu Jia was released from prison after serving three and a half years on subversion charges^[81]
• June 27 – The International Criminal Court at the Hague issues a warrant for Libyan leader Gaddafi, his son, and his spy chief^[82]
• June 28 – In a planned 2 day general strike demonstrators in Greece gather to protest the austerity measures proposed by the government and the EU^[83]
• June 29 – The government of Greece votes to accept proposed austerity measures^[84]
• June 30 – Prince William and Princess Kate arrive in Canada for a royal tour to coincide with Canada Day^[85]

July

• July 4 – Thailand elects first female Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, after her party Pheu Thai won a seat majority^[86]
• July 5 – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez addresses crowd after return from Cuba for emergency cancer surgery^[87]
• July 7 – British newspaper News of the World shuts down amid accusations that it eavesdropped on numerous high-profile people^[88]
• July 8 – Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off for final time^[89]
• July 9 – South Sudan becomes independent country, raises new flag, Salva Kiir becomes first President^[90]
• July 13 – United Kingdom lawmakers summon Rupert Murdoch, his son, and News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks to testify over phone hacking scandal^[91]
• July 13 – Eurozone summit reaches deal regarding Greek debt crisis, bailout package secured^[92]
• July 16 – The United States officially recognizes the Transitional National Council, as the legitimate government in Libya^[93]
• July 18 – London Police chief resigns amid News of the World phone hacking scandal^[94]
• July 20 – UK Parliament questions Prime Minister Cameron over News of the World phone hacking scandal, and his former communications director Andy Coulson^[95]
• July 21 – Space Shuttle Atlantis makes final landing, marks end of 30 years of shuttle flights^[96]
• July 22 – The 2011 Norway attacks were two sequential domestic terrorist attacks by Anders Behring Breivik against the government, the civilian population, and a Workers' Youth League (AUF) summer camp, in which 77 people were killed.
• July 29 – Republicans block proposed budget plan, causing roadblock in debt-ceiling crisis^[97]
• July 31 – Syrian security forces clash with protesters in Hama, at least 71 killed^[98]

August

• August 2 – President Obama signs U.S. debt bill, ending default threat^[99]
• August 3 – Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak pleads not guilty as trial begins, was brought to courtroom in a cage^[100]
• August 6 – S&P downgrades United States Government credit rating from AAA to AA+^[101]
• August 7 – Protesters in London riot in response to fatal police shooting^[102]
• August 10 – Protests in London subside after four nights of riots, Prime Minister Cameron vows 'fightback', increases number of police in city streets^[103]
• August 11 – Debate held for Republican nomination for the president^[104]
• August 16 – France and Germany call for closer economic and fiscal policy in the eurozone^[105]
• August 17 – Anti-corruption protester Anna Hazare on huger strike in prison, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says strike is misconceived^[106]
• August 18 – President Obama and European leaders call for the resignation of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, new American sanctions against Syrian government^[107]
• August 21 – American hikers detained in Iran for two years sentenced to 8 years in prison, 5 years for cooperating with American Intelligence Services and 3 years for illegal entry^[108]
• August 24 – Kim Jong-il initiated rare talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, speaks about possibility of denuclearisation and economic cooperation^[109]
• August 29 – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi flees to Algeria with his wife and three children^[110]
• August 29 – Toomas Hendrik Ilves is re-elected President of Estonia.^[111]
• August 30 – Japan's governing party, the Democratic Party of Japan, votes Yoshihiko Noda as leader^[112]
• August 31 – Libyan Rebels issue ultimatum to troops still loyal to Muammar Qaddafi, rebels say loyalists must surrender or face an attack^[113]

September

• September 2 – Turkey expels Israeli diplomats in protest over Israeli raid on Gaza-bound ship, in which 9 Turkish nationals died^[114]
• September 6 – A convoy of armed Gaddafi loyalists flee from Libya across the Northern border into Niger^[115]
• September 10 – Protesters in Egypt force their way into the Israeli embassy in Cairo, following several days of protest outside the embassy^[116]
• September 11 – Ceremonies held across America remembering the victims of the 9/11 attacks a decade after the event^[117]
• September 13 – American embassy and NATO headquarters in Kabul attacked by suicide bombers^[118]
• September 15 – British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledge aid for Libya's new provisional leaders^[119]
• September 17 – Occupy Wall Street begins in Zuccotti Park^[120]
• September 21 – Hikers detained in Iran are freed
• September 23 – Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh returns from emergency medical treatment in Saudi Arabia^[121]
• September 24 – Palestine leader Mahmoud Abbas submits request to the United Nations to be recognized as a state^[122]
• September 24 – Vladimir Putin is set to return as Russia's president in 2012, Dmitry Medvedev the current President, will switch positions with Putin to become the Prime Minister^[123]
• September 25 – Women in Saudi Arabia gain the right to vote and to stand for election^[124]
• September 29 – Eurozone bailout fund is granted expanded powers in an attempt to stabilize the Euro^[125]

October

• October 2 – Greece is set to default on a bailout package despite austerity measures, the bailout package is less than a year old^[126]
• October 8 – Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh promises to cede power, a promise he has made 3 times in 2011^[127]
• October 8 – Security council vetoes 2 resolutions on Syria, the drafts would have stopped aerial bombardment, the other would have urged a halt to hostilities^[128]
• October 9 – 23 people die amid clashes between Egyptian Security Forces and protesters^[129]
• October 9 – Germany's Merkel and France's Sarkozy agree to important changes to the way the Eurozone operates, in an attempt to end Euro crisis^[130]
• October 11 – Israel and Hamas agree to a prisoner swap, 1000 Palestinian prisoners for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit^[131]
• October 15 – At least 70 people are injured in Rome, as protesters clash with police, amid protests inspired by Occupy Wall Street^[132]
• October 15 – Protesters from Occupy Wall Street move to fill Time's Square^[133]
• October 17 – Francois Hollande wins primary race of the French Socialist Party^[134]
• October 22 – Heir to Saudi throne Abdul Aziz Al Saud dies at 85^[135]
• October 23 – Libya's interim leaders declare liberation from the Gaddafi regime^[136]
• October 24 – U.S. pull ambassador Robert Ford from Syria citing safety concerns^[137]
• October 28 – Heads of government of the 16 Commonwealth realms unanimously supported the changes to the royal succession
• October 31 – Global population reaches 7 Billion^[138]
• October 31 – UNESCO accept Palestine's bid for full membership^[139]

November

• November 2 – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange loses court battle to remain in the United Kingdom, will be extradited to Sweden^[140]
• November 2 – Protesters from the Occupy Oakland movement shut down the Oakland Port^[141]
• November 3 – Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou scraps a referendum on Greece's bailout^[142]
• November 10 – Papademos named as new Prime Minister of Greece^[143]
• November 11 – The Italian Senate adopts an austerity law to avoid a bailout^[144]
• November 11 – Mexico's Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora dies in helicopter crash^[145]
• November 12 – Silvio Berlusconi resigns as Italian Prime-Minister^[146]
• November 12 – The Arab League suspends Syria from meetings and adopts sanctions against Damascus, amid failure to end government crackdown on protesters^[147]
• November 14 – Mario Monti is named to replace outgoing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi^[148]
• November 15 – Colombia's FARC name Timoleon Jimenez as new leader^[149]
• November 18 – Hundreds of people are arrested as Occupy Wall Street protesters march across the Brooklyn Bridge^[150]
• November 18 – The UN's nuclear watchdog voices deep concern over Iranian Nuclear program^[151]
• November 20 – The People's Party of Spain win election in a landslide^[152]
• November 24 – Egyptian military appoint new Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri^[153]
• November 28 – First day of Egyptian elections since the military seized power^[154]
• November 29 – Protesters in Iran storm the British embassy in Tehran^[155]
• November 30 – The UK expels all Iranian diplomats from country, citing embassy attack as cause^[156]

December

• December 1 – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma^[157]
• December 3 – Herman Cain suspends his run for the office of President of the United States^[158]
• December 5 – Sarkozy and Merkel outline new Eurozone fiscal pact aimed at avoiding another debt crisis^[159]
• December 9 – Joseph Kabila is re-elected as the President of the DR Congo^[160]
• December 10 – Citizens of Russia gather to protest against alleged election fraud, the biggest protest in over 20 years^[161]
• December 12 – Canada pulls out of the Kyoto accord^[162]
• December 13 – The UN estimates at least 5000 people have been killed in crackdowns on anti-regime activists in Syria^[163]
• December 15 – Former Mayor of Paris, and President of France Jacques Chirac is found guilty on corruption charges^[164]
• December 16 – At least 10 people die in clashes between striking oil workers and government forces in Kazakhstan^[165]
• December 18 – Czech leader and playwright Vaclav Havel dies at 75^[166]
• December 18 – North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il dies at 69^[167]
• December 19 – Warrant issued by President of Iraq, for the arrest of Vice President on terrorism charges^[168]
• December 23 – US Congress passes payroll tax cut extension^[169]
• December 26 – Arab League sends observers to Syria, to monitor ongoing crisis
• December 28 – State funeral held for Kim Jong-il in North Korea^[170]
• December 29 – Son of Kim Jong-Il, Kim Jong-Un hailed as supreme leader of North Korea^[171]

Notes and References

1. News: US oil spill: 'Bad management' led to BP disaster. BBC. 6 January 2011.
2. News: 'Baby Doc' Duvalier returns to Haiti from exile. BBC. 16 January 2011.
3. News: Levs. Josh. Self-immolation reports spread through north Africa . CNN. 17 January 2011.
4. News: 'Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi prostitute allegations widen. BBC. 17 January 2011.
5. News: Obama hosts China's Hu at rare private White House meal. BBC. 18 January 2011.
6. News: Tunisian government lifts ban on political groups. CNN. 20 January 2011.
7. News: Algerians defy ban to protest government. CNN. 22 January 2011.
8. News: Greens pull out of crumbling Irish government. CNN. 23 January 2011.
9. News: Moscow bombing: Carnage at Russia's Domodedovo airport. BBC. 24 January 2011.
10. News: Protesters march in attempt to force Yemen's president out. CNN. 24 January 2011.
11. News: Defiance on Cairo streets as protesters 'lose fear'. CNN. 29 January 2011.
12. News: Complete preliminary results show 99% vote to split in Southern Sudan . CNN. 30 January 2011.
13. News: Protesters around the world march against Egypt's Mubarak. CNN. 30 January 2011.
14. News: Egypt protests: Army rules out the use of force. BBC. 31 January 2011.
15. News: Jordan's king dismisses government, appoints new PM. CNN. 1 February 2011.
16. News: Mubarak says he won't run again; protesters say it's not enough. CNN. 1 February 2011.
17. News: New gunfire erupts in central Cairo. CNN. 3 February 2011.
18. News: Egypt protests: Many at Cairo 'day of departure' rally. BBC. 4 February 2011.
19. News: Egypt unrest: Public-sector pay rise but protests go on. BBC. 7 February 2011.
20. News: Kitchen. Michael. North, South Korea in military talks after hiatus. Market Watch. 8 February 2011.
21. News: Egypt military authorities 'to respect all treaties'. BBC. 13 February 2011.
22. News: Egypt's military dissolves Parliament, suspends constitution. CNN. 13 February 2011.
23. News: Italian women hold anti-Berlusconi demonstrations. BBC. 13 February 2011.
24. News: Protesters, police clash in Algerian capital. CNN. 14 February 2011.
25. News: Libya protests: Second city Benghazi hit by violence. BBC. 16 February 2011.
26. News: At least 2 people dead after police move on protesters in Bahrain. CNN. 16 February 2011.
27. News: Libya unrest: Scores killed in Benghazi 'massacre'. BBC. 20 February 2011.
28. News: Security forces push back on Iranian protesters. CNN. 20 February 2011.
29. News: Libya protests: Defiant Gaddafi refuses to quit. BBC. 22 February 2011.
30. News: Libya: Barack Obama announces Gaddafi sanctions. BBC. 25 February 2011.
31. News: Libya: UN Security Council votes sanctions on Gaddafi. BBC. 26 February 2011.
32. News: Libya unrest sparks refugee crisis at Tunisia border. BBC. 27 February 2011.
33. News: Pakistan Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti shot dead. BBC. 2 March 2011.
34. News: Libya: Protests hit Gaddafi stronghold of Tripoli. BBC. 4 March 2011.
35. News: Saudi Arabia imposes ban on all protests. BBC. 5 March 2011.
36. News: Wis. governor officially cuts collective bargaining. NBC. 9 March 2011.
37. News: Witnesses: Saudi forces fire on protesters, injure 3. CNN. 10 March 2011.
38. News: Earthquake and tsunami 'Japan's worst crisis since second world war'. The Guardian. 13 March 2011.
39. News: U.N. Security Council approves no-fly zone in Libya. CNN. 17 March 2011.
40. News: Egyptians approve constitutional changes, clearing way for elections. CNN. 20 March 2011.
41. News: 15 killed in clashes between protesters, security forces in Syria. CNN. 24 March 2011.
42. News: Libya's foreign minister defects, arrives in Britain. Reuters. 30 March 2011.
43. News: Syria's al-Assad leaves state of emergency in place. CNN. 30 March 2011.
44. News: Afghanistan protests over Florida pastor burning Quran spread to turbulent east. Associated Press. 3 April 2011.
45. News: Portugal seeks EU bailout due to debt crisis. The Guardian. 6 April 2011.
46. News: Women in face veils detained as France enforces ban. BBC. 10 April 2011.
47. News: Ivory Coast: Ouattara urges calm after rival's capture. BBC. 12 April 2011.
48. News: Kirkpatrick. David. Stack. Liam. Prosecutors Order Mubarak and Sons Held. The New York Times . New York Times. 13 April 2011.
49. News: Steinhauer. Jennifer. Congress Passes Budget Bill, but Some in G.O.P. Balk. The New York Times . New York Times. 14 April 2011.
50. News: Syria protests: Assad to lift state of emergency. BBC. 20 April 2011.
51. News: Japan government announces disaster relief budget. BBC. 22 April 2011.
52. News: Protesters Prepare Funerals for Those Killed in Syrian Uprising's Bloodiest Day. BBC. 23 April 2011.
53. News: Boone. Jeb. Raghavan. Sudarsan. Yemen's President Saleh agrees to step down in return for immunity. Washington Post. 23 April 2011.
54. News: Pope calls for peace around the world in Easter message. CNN. 24 April 2011.
55. News: Rival Fatah, Hamas movements reach unity deal. CNN. 27 April 2011.
56. News: Obama releases original long-form birth certificate. CNN. 27 April 2011.
57. News: William and Catherine marry in royal wedding at Westminster Abbey. CNN. 29 April 2011.
58. News: Security flexes muscle in flashpoint Syrian city. CNN. 30 April 2011.
59. News: Neild. Barry. Rice. Xan. Gaddafi's son killed in Nato air strike, say Libyan officials. The Guardian. 30 April 2011.
60. News: Allen. John. Vatican announces May 1 beatification for John Paul II. National Catholic Reporter. 14 January 2011.
61. News: brethour. Patrick. Harper finally wins majority as NDP surges into Opposition. Globe and Mail. 2 May 2011.
62. News: Osama Bin Laden: Pentagon releases home videos. BBC. 7 May 2011.
63. News: Townsend. Fran. U.S. interviews 'hostile' bin Laden widows, with Pakistan officials. CNN. 12 May 2011.
64. News: Pakistan condemns Bin Laden raid and US drone attacks. BBC. 13 May 2011.
65. News: IMF head Strauss-Kahn charged over New York 'sex crime'. BBC. 16 May 2011.
66. News: Deadly clashes mark Israel's founding, Arab 'catastrophe'. CNN. 16 May 2011.
67. News: Halpin. Padraic. Humphries. Conor. Britain's Queen honors Irish nationals. Reuters. 17 May 2011.
68. News: Obama Middle East speech in full with analysis. BBC. 19 May 2011.
69. News: Obama and Netanyahu admit 'differences' on Middle East. BBC. 20 May 2011.
70. News: President Obama hails 'special relationship' at banquet. BBC. 24 May 2011.
71. News: Wintour. Patrick. Cameron and Sarkozy plan Libya visit as G8 says Gaddafi must go. The Guardian. 27 May 2011.
72. News: FIFA suspends 2 executives, clears Blatter. CBC. 29 May 2011.
73. News: Libya: South Africa's Jacob Zuma in peace mission. BBC. 30 May 2011.
74. News: Syrian forces kill at least 34 protesters at anti-government protest. The Guardian. 3 June 2011.
75. News: Yemen: Injured President Saleh heads to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. The Guardian. 4 June 2011.
76. News: Robertson. Nic. Bahrain doctors go on trial, alleging torture to extract confessions. CNN. 13 June 2011.
77. News: DeYoung. Karen. U.S. to launch peace talks with Taliban. Washington Post. 18 June 2011.
78. News: Thomson. Roddy. EU set to release more loans to keep Greece afloat. Financial Post. 19 June 2011.
79. News: Tunisia's Ben Ali sentenced to jail in absentia. BBC. 21 June 2011.
80. News: Obama Orders Cuts in 'Surge' Troops in Afghanistan. VOA. 22 June 2011.
81. News: Duncan. Maxim. Prominent Chinese dissident freed. Reuters. 25 June 2011.
82. News: Hague court issues arrest warrant for Gaddafi. Reuters. 27 June 2011.
83. News: Greek austerity protests turn ugly as strike begins. CNN. 28 June 2011.
84. News: Greece crisis: EU welcomes Greek MPs' austerity vote. BBC. 29 June 2011.
85. News: William and Kate thrill Canada Day crowds. CBC. 30 June 2011.
86. News: Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's 1st female prime minister. CBC. 4 July 2011.
87. News: Grainger. Sarah. Hugo Chavez addresses Caracas crowds on return. BBC. 5 July 2011.
88. News: Greene. Richard Allen. Murdoch's scandal-hit News of the World to shut down. CNN. 7 July 2011.
89. News: Amos. Jonathan. Space shuttle Atlantis in historic final lift-off. BBC. 8 July 2011.
90. News: South Sudan's flag raised at independence ceremony. BBC. 9 July 2011.
91. News: Greene. Richard Allen. U.K. lawmakers summon Murdoch over phone hacking. CNN. 13 July 2011.
92. News: Greece debt crisis: Eurozone summit strikes deal. BBC. 13 July 2011.
93. News: U.S. recognizes Libyan rebels' authority. CNN. 16 July 2011.
94. News: London police chief resigns amid scandal. Winnipeg Free Press. 18 July 2011.
95. News: Parliament grills combative Cameron over phone-hacking scandal. CNN. 20 July 2011.
96. News: Amos. Jonathan. Space shuttle Atlantis makes final landing. BBC. 20 July 2011.
97. News: Sullivan. Andy. Cowan. Richard. Republican rebels force new delay in U.S. debt crisis. Toronto Star. 29 July 2011.
98. News: Groups: At least 71 dead in Syria as security forces, protesters clash. CNN. 31 July 2011.
99. News: Sullivan. Andy. Mason. Jeff. Obama signs U.S. debt bill. Financial Post. 2 August 2011.
100. News: Bedridden Mubarak pleads not guilty as trial starts. CTV News. 3 August 2011.
101. News: Paletta. Damian. Phillips. Matt. S&P Strips U.S. of Top Credit Rating. Wall Street Journal. 6 August 2011.
102. News: Holden. Michael. London neighbourhood erupts in violence after police shooting. National Post. 7 August 2011.
103. News: Falloon. Matt. Abbas. Mohammed. English streets calmer after nights of violence. National Post. 10 August 2011.
104. News: Zeleny. Jeff. Parker. Ashley. 8 From G.O.P. Trade Attacks at Iowa Debate. The New York Times . New York Times. 11 August 2011.
105. News: Franco-German call for 'true euro economic governance'. BBC. 16 August 2011.
106. News: Indian PM: Anti-corruption protest 'misconceived'. BBC. 17 August 2011.
107. News: Wilson. Scott. Warrick. Joby. Assad must go, Obama says. Washington Post. 18 August 2011.
108. News: U.S. hikers in Iran get 8 years in prison, state media reports. CNN. 21 August 2011.
109. News: Kim Jong-il in talks with Russia's Dmitry Medvedev. BBC. 24 August 2011.
110. News: Libya conflict: Gaddafi family 'flee to Algeria'. BBC. 29 August 2011.
111. News: Estonian President Ilves re-elected. Yahoo News. 29 August 2011.
112. News: Yoshihiko Noda wins Japan leadership race. BBC. 30 August 2011.
113. News: Libya rebels give Qaddafi loyalists an ultimatum. CBSNews. 31 August 2011.
114. News: Turkey expels Israeli diplomats after UN report. Reuters. 2 September 2011.
115. News: Libya conflict: Armed Gaddafi loyalists flee to Niger. BBC. 6 September 2011.
116. News: Egyptian protesters break into Israeli embassy building. BBC. 10 September 2011.
117. News: 9/11 anniversary: Sombre US honours victims 10 years on. BBC. 11 September 2011.
118. News: Rubin. Alissa. Rivera. Ray. Healy. Jack. U.S. Embassy and NATO Headquarters Attacked in Kabul. The New York Times . New York Times. 13 September 2011.
119. News: Sarkozy, Cameron pledge support for Libya's new rulers. CTVNews. 15 September 2011.
120. News: Moynihan, Colin . Wall Street Protest Begins, With Demonstrators Blocked . City Room (blog of The New York Times) . September 17, 2011 . October 16, 2011.
121. News: Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh returns to Sanaa. BBC. 23 September 2011.
122. News: YIsraeli-Palestinian talks must resume — Mideast Quartet. BBC. 24 September 2011.
123. News: Russia's Putin set to return as president in 2012. BBC. 24 September 2011.
124. News: MacFarquhar. Neil. Saudi Monarch Grants Women Right to Vote. The New York Times . New York Times. 25 September 2011.
125. News: Euro fund expansion passed by German parliament. CBC. 29 September 2011.
126. News: Kyriakidou. Dina. Melander. Ingrid. Greece to miss deficit targets despite austerity. CBC. 2 October 2011.
127. News: Saleh keeps Yemenis guessing with talk of step-down. Reuteurs. 8 October 2011.
128. News: Security Council Fails to Adopt Two Draft Resolutions on Syria, Despite Appeals for Action Preventing Impending Humanitarian Catastrophe in Aleppo. UN. 8 October 2011.
129. News: At Least 23 Dead As Egyptian Forces Clash With Protesters. WIBW. 9 October 2011.
130. News: Eurozone crisis: Merkel and Sarkozy 'agree key changes'. BBC. 9 October 2011.
131. News: Israel and Hamas agree prisoner swap to free Shalit. Reuters. 11 October 2011.
132. News: Rome protest against cuts descends into violence. BBC. 15 October 2011.
133. News: Thousands of protesters fill NYC's Times Square. CBSNews. 15 October 2011.
134. News: Crumley. Bruce. Hollande Wins French Socialist Primary, Looks to the Battle Ahead with Sarkozy. Time. 17 October 2011.
135. News: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Dies. CBSNews. 22 October 2011.
136. News: Libya's new leaders declare liberation. CNN. 23 October 2011.
137. News: U.S. pulls envoy from Syria over safety concerns. CNN. 24 October 2011.
138. News: Human Population Reaches 7 Billion—How Did This Happen and Can It Go On?. Scientific American. 28 October 2011.
139. News: Erlanger. Steven. Sayare. Scott. Unesco Accepts Palestinians as Full Members. The New York Times . New York Times. 31 October 2011.
140. News: Assange loses fight against extradition. Daily Observer. 2 November 2011.
141. News: Oakland's Port Shuts Down as Protesters March on Waterfront. New York Times. 2 November 2011.
142. News: Greece backs off from referendum. Financial Post. 3 November 2011.
143. News: Papademos named new Greek prime minister. CTVNews. 10 November 2011.
144. News: Italy crisis: Senate adopts austerity law. BBC. 11 November 2011.
145. News: Allen. Nick. Mexico's interior minister killed in helicopter crash. Telegraph. 11 November 2011.
146. News: Italy crisis: Silvio Berlusconi resigns as PM. BBC. 13 November 2011.
147. News: Arab League sanctions for Syria. BBC. 12 November 2011.
148. News: Mario Monti nominated to replace Berlusconi. CNN. 14 November 2011.
149. News: Colombia's FARC rebels pick hardline new leader. Reuters. 15 November 2011.
150. News: Mass arrests at Occupy Wall Street protests. BBC. 18 November 2011.
151. News: Iran nuclear: UN voices 'deep concern' over plans. BBC. 18 November 2011.
152. News: Spain's conservatives win election in landslide. CBC. 20 November 2011.
153. News: Egypt military 'appoints Kamal Ganzouri as new PM'. BBC. 24 November 2011.
154. News: Polls close after first day of Egyptian elections. CNN. 28 November 2011.
155. News: Iran protesters storm UK embassy in Tehran. BBC. 29 November 2011.
156. News: UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack. BBC. 30 November 2011.
157. News: Sec. Clinton meets Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma. CBSNews. 1 December 2011.
158. News: Cain suspends presidential campaign. CBC. 3 December 2011.
159. News: France and Germany outline fiscal pact. CNN Money. 5 December 2011.
160. News: DR Congo election: Joseph Kabila 're-elected'. BBC. 9 December 2011.
161. News: Russian election protests. The Guardian. 10 December 2011.
162. News: Canada pulls out of Kyoto Protocol. CBC. 12 December 2011.
163. News: U.N. estimates 5,000 killed in Syrian uprising. CNN. 13 December 2011.
164. News: Chirac found guilty on corruption charges. CNN. 15 December 2011.
165. News: Kazakh oil strike: 10 dead in Zhanaozen clashes. BBC. 16 December 2011.
166. News: Vaclav Havel, Czech leader and playwright, dies at 75. BBC. 18 December 2011.
167. News: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies 'of heart attack'. BBC. 18 December 2011.
168. News: Iraq issues arrest warrant for vice president on terrorism charges. Washington Post. 19 December 2011.
169. News: U.S. Congress passes payroll tax cut extension. Toronto Star. 23 December 2011.
170. News: Kim Jong-il state funeral held in North Korea. BBC. 28 December 2011.
171. News: North Korea hails Kim Jong-un as leader. BBC. 29 December 2011.