Israel's Ehud Olmert becomes prime minister after Ariel Sharon suffers a massive stroke.
Hamas wins the majority of seats in Palestinian legislative elections. Israeli leaders refuse to accept a Hammas lead government vote to withhold $50 million per month.
After a Danish newspaper publishes a series of cartoons depicting Muhamad, demonstrators around the world rise in protest.
The Middle East continues to be destabilised by US occupation of Iraq. The situation in Iraq is finally acknowledged by US to be in a Civil war.
After weeks of crippling student-led protests, French president Jacques Chirac repeals a new labour law that would have made it easier for employers to fire workers under the age of 26.
French protests
In defiance of the U.N. Security Council, Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announces that Iran has successfully enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports to the Security Council that it has found traces of highly enriched uranium at Iran's Natanz facility. U.N. Security Council resolution bans the Iranian import and export of materials and technology used to enrich uranium.
Saddam Hussein is hanged in Baghdad.
Saddam Hussein is hanged
Continuing unrest in East Timor.
A state of emergency is declared in the Philippines, after an alleged coup d'état against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is foiled.
Slobodan Milosevic is found dead in his cell in the UN war crimes tribunal's detention centre, located in the Scheveningen section of The Hague.
Cuban president Fidel Castro develops health problems, creating worldwide speculation as to the future of Cuba.
Fidel Castro in Hospital
Pope Benedict XVI gives a lecture in Germany; he quotes a criticism of the Islamic faith, sparking mass protest.
Pope Benedict XVI
North Korea claims to have conducted its first-ever nuclear test.
India test-launches a missile with a range of 1,800 miles.
More than 200 people die and hundreds more are wounded when a series of bombs explode on commuter trains in Mumbai, India during the evening rush hour.
Aftermath of Bombings
Fifteen people die and many others are injured in three blasts throughout Varanasi, India.
Brand India Fair at Meerut Victoria Park fire at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, killing 100.
The Nathu La Pass between India and China, sealed during the Sino-Indian War, re-opens for trade after 44 years.
Chinese Guard at Nathu La
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 688 crashes in Multan, Pakistan shortly after takeoff.
Crash
Ten people are trapped and killed in the Kolkata leather factory fire in India.
M F Hussain arrested and charged because of his controversial portrayals Hindu gods and goddesses.
M. F. Hussain
Natasha Suri is awarded the title "Miss India", in the Femina Miss India Pageant.
Natasha Suri
The sitarist Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan is awarded Padma Bhushan
The sarangi player Sabri Khan is awarded Padma Bhushan
Vocalist Pankaj Udhas and Rashid Khan are awarded Padma Shree