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Politique
-As the world limped into the new year, IPE Journal looked back at the defining political stories of 2008.

-Israel's Gaza operation entered its second week. A ground invasion is now underway to topple the Hamas regime and prevent further rocket attacks on Israel. The UN Security Council failed to reach a consensus position this weekend, despite an humanitarian situation characterized as "desperate."

-Czech President Vaclav Klaus assumed the rotating EU Presidency this week. After a widely praised and robust Sarkozy presidency, Brussels watchers are anxious that the "prickly" Klaus will undermine EU consensus on the financial crisis, climate change and, well, the EU itself.

-The Chinese government moved to silence the signatories of Charter 08, a "wide-ranging blueprint for peaceful political, legal and economic reform in China." The crackdown reflects the deep anxiety carried by the Chinese leadership into 2009.

Economia
-Entering 2009 with much economic and financial uncertainty, IPE Journal looked back at the economic stories of 2008.

-Another price dispute between Russia and Ukraine resulted in the suspension of natural gas deliveries to Ukraine, with reports of growing shortages from Turkey to the Czech Republic. Both Moscow and Kiev are courting European support for their position in the dispute.

-Sterling neared Euro parity for the first time, a milestone that might spark a much deeper sterling sell-off.

The Rest
-Now more than ever, we need distractions. IPE Journal looked back at the cultural, sporting and down right random things that captured our attention in 2008.

-In the FA Cup, Arsenal go forward on a Van Persie brace, while Man City crashes out in spectacular fashion. Notable 4th round ties: ManU v. Spurs, Liverpool v. Everton.

-40 drunken passengers run "riot" on Cuba bound flight from Gatwick. "Drunk", "Gatwick" and "riot" are three words I am not surprised to find in the same sentence.

-The Obama's arrived in Washington...let the parties, galas and Republican exodus begin.