2009 Year In Photos

1
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 took over the six-month European Union presidency from France( AFP/ Michal Cizek)

2
New Year fireworks in Kazan, January 5, 2009. (RFE/RL)

3
Shia pilgrims gather near the tomb of Imam Hussein to commemorate of his death in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq , 7 January 2009. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi shia visit the holy city of Karbala throughout the Ashura week to mark the death of Imam Hussein. (epa)

4
The Israeli flag flutters on a hill near the border with the Gaza Strip as smoke from Israeli strikes cover Gaza on January 9, 2009 (AFP)