2015 has been incredibly exciting yet turbulent. Bloody yet promising. One thing is for sure, no one have predicted it the way it actually turned out. But we'll try it for 2016 regardless.





The Paris Attacks, the fight against ISIS, the Pope's historic visit to the US, the Greek and Chinese economic troubles, the legalization of same-sex marriage in the US, Water on Mars, Volkswagen Scandal, new reigning record set by Queen Elizabeth II, Cecil the Lion, Women's World Cup, mass shootings and racial divide in the US, Climate Deal in Paris and the Nepal Earthquake were some of the events that dominated the news broadcasts in the year of 2015.





We also lost some very influential people such as King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Leonard Nimoy, Lee Kuan Yew, B.B. King, John Nash, Christopher Lee, Omar Sharif, Helmut Schmidt, Maureen O'Hara and Lemmy of Motorhead just yesterday. Social Media also reached new heights as did Hollywood with Spectre, Jurassic World and Star Wars. It was truly a great year, despite so many hardships and conflicts.





Next year is likely to be dominated with news relating to ISIS one way or another. The ground campaign in Iraq and the bombing of Syria will continue, but it is currently impossible to predict what the time schedule and the results will be. We can only hope for the best. Europe and America will continue to be on high alert as more attacks like those in Paris and San Bernardino are likely to be planned, hopefully they will also be stopped. The refugee crisis that is directly linked to this turmoil will also continue. The EU will have to prove that it can defend its borders, while try to integrate the millions of outsiders. It won't be easy, but the voice of the populous right side can no longer be ignored, and their needs will have to be satisfied too simultaneously.





2016 will be full of important elections too. Of course firstly, America will choose it's 45th President. On the side of the Democrats, former First Lady/Senator/Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the front runner, but veteran Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is making her run for the money. She currently has a sizeable lead, but anything could happen, as Sanders is set to win in New Hampshire and tie in Iowa. On the Republican's side, Donald Trump is till in the front. That race is more unpredictable, but Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush are also in the leading pack. This will be a close race. But whatever happens, Clinton's popularity will likely lessen the gender gap in the States, as women become more empowered and earn more money. This will perhaps be the most important social issue in the country next year, and hopefully around the world too.





Around the world, other crucial elections will take place too. In Russia, Vladimir Putin's party will try to hold onto power. Japan, South Africa, Hong Kong, South Korea, Ireland and New Zealand will also hold landmark decisions. Australia could head to the polls as well, while in the UK a string of key regional elections will take place. In Scotland, the SNP will be tested and further down south, London will choose it's next mayor too. So potentially a lot of change will occur.





The world of Sport also has a lot to look forward too. Every year there are tons of World Cups and regional competitions in all sports ranging from Athletics to Aquatics, from Fencing to Biking and so on. But this year the Euro 2016 football event will take place in France, and is expected to be watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world. It will be a landmark event as for the first time 24 nations will take place, and France will be tested too. Security is a high concern, but more importantly the country will showcase it's unity as rebuilds from the attack of the devil.





Also happening this year will be the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, followed by the Paralympic Games. Both games are expected to be the biggest ever, and will bring together the world. Everyone will be cheering on their home nation, and watching to see if the US or China will dominate the medals table. Or will Russia return to its glory? Can the hosts of Brazil cause surprises? It will be an exciting summer!





Of course these are only some of the highlights from the planned events, there is a lot more! And of course every year is ultimately dominated by the unplanned events, as was 2015 with Europe's refugee crisis and the strength of ISIS. The World Economy will also be tested, as will our fight against Climate Change, outbreaks of diseases and the continued research into cures for Cancer and Alzheimer's.





We at Finchley 1959 wish all of you a very healthy and happy New Year, and we will be with you to cover these events, and break down the important details for you! Hope to see you back soon!

This is an original material of Finchley 1959.