The year 2021 was one of the most eventful years of the century, marked by global issues and controversies that shaped the world. From COVID-19 to climate change, political turmoil, and humanitarian crises, the world was hit by various challenges that tested the resilience and capacity of nations and leaders. Here is a brief report on some of the key events that happened in the world in the year 2021 in 1500 words. COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND VACCINE ROLLOUT The COVID-19 pandemic remained the top Germay News Today item for most of 2021, despite the progress in vaccine development and distribution.
The year started with spikes in cases and deaths, prompting some countries to extend lockdowns and travel restrictions. Vaccines were made available to more people, however, challenges in vaccine distribution and vaccine skepticism slowed down the global efforts to control the pandemic. The Delta variant of virus emerged as a major concern in the middle of the year, causing more waves of infections and deaths. Some countries, such as the United States, witnessed a divide between vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, with the former criticizing the latter for resisting vaccination efforts.
In contrast, some countries in Africa and Asia lagged behind in vaccine access, leading to unequal distribution and vaccine apartheid. Despite these challenges, the world saw some progress in vaccine production and distribution. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca continued their work on new vaccines and boosters, while some countries like China and Russia rolled out their own vaccines for domestic and international use.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations also worked on increasing vaccine access and removing patent barriers to vaccine production. AFGHANISTAN CRISIS AND TALIBAN TAKEOVER The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces in August 2021, was another major event that shook the world. The end of the 20-year war marked a significant shift in the political and social dynamics in Afghanistan and raised fears of human rights abuses and repression.
The US faced criticism over the chaotic evacuation of its citizens and Afghan allies, with some calling it a failure in leadership and foresight. The Taliban formed a new government in September, with some members of the previous government and other groups joining the coalition. The new government sparked international concerns over restrictions on women’s rights, freedom of expression, and minorities. The world watched as the Taliban cracked down on dissent and opposition, including journalists, activists, and protesters.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan intensified, with thousands of Afghans fleeing the country to seek refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. The UN and other actors worked on providing aid and support, while some countries like the United States and Canada agreed to take in Afghan refugees. The Taliban’s takeover and the subsequent developments in Afghanistan remain a concern for the international community, with debates on the best approaches to support the Afghan people and hold the Taliban accountable to their promises.