2009 Year In Photos

Tatarstan -- Fireworks in Kazan. - Tatarstan -- Fireworks in Kazan. Qazan, 05.01.09 top2009

Czech Republic -- fireworks over EU insignia on Letna Plain in Prague early on 01jan2009 - CZECH REPUBLIC, Prague : The New Year's fireworks explode over the Prague pendulum and lighting, the symbol of the EU, early on January 1, 2009. The Czech Republic takes over the six-month European Union presidency from France. AFP PHOTO / MICHAL CIZEK top2009

Iraq -- Shi'ite pilgrims gather near the tomb of Imam Hussein to commemorate of his death in the city of Karbala, 07Jan2009 - Caption: epa01592576 Shi'ite pilgrims gather near the tomb of Imam Hussein to commemorate of his death in the holy city of Karbala, on 07 January 2009. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi shi'ites visit the holy city of Karbala throughout the Ashoura week to mark the death of Imam Hussein top2009

Israel -- The Israeli flag flutters on a hill near the border with the Gaza Strip as smoke from Israeli strikes covers Gaza, 09Jan2009 - ISRAEL, Israeli-Gaza Border : The Israeli flag flutters on a hill near the border with the Gaza Strip as smoke from Israeli strikes covers Gaza on January 9, 2009 top2009

Russia -- The body of lawyer Stanislav Markelov, who acted for the family of Elza Kungayeva, Moscow, 19Jan2009 - the lawyer acting top2009 for the family of a Chechen girl whose murder by a Russian officer became a symbol of human rights abuses in Chechnya was shot dead in Moscow today. Stanislav Markelov, who acted for the family of Elza Kungayeva, had opposed the early release this month of the Russian officer jailed for her murder.

U.S. -- Barack Obama's hand lies on a bible as he is sworn in as the 44th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the Capitol in Washington DC., 20Jan2009 - Barack Obama's hand lies on a bible as he is sworn in as the 44th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2009. obama20 top2009

U.S. - President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, 20Jan2009 - obama20 top2009 UNITED STATES, Washington : US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, January 20, 2009. Obama was sworn in as the 44th US president earlier in the day. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB top2009

Russia -- Patriarch-elect of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill kisses the golden cross after being elected at the National Orthodox Church Council in Christ the Savior cathedral in Moscow, 27Jan2009 - Caption: top2009 epa01615857 Patriarch-elect of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill kisses the golden cross after being elected at the National Orthodox Church Council in Christ the Savior cathedral in Moscow, Russia, 27 January 2009. Russian Orthodox Church selected 62-year-old Metropolitan Kirill as its new patriarch, an outspoken figure who analysts say could prove a headache for the Kremlin.

Russia -- Russian policemen detain a participant of a banned National-Bolshevik ultra-left organisation, shouting 'We hate government!' during a communist protest rally in Moscow, 31Jan2009 - Caption: top2009 epa01620054 Russian policemen detain a participant of a banned National-Bolshevic ultra-left organisation, shouting 'We hate government!' during a communist protest rally in the centre of Moscow, Russia, 31 January 2009. Some hundred demonstrators demanded support for the working class amidst the national crisis March of dissent