In pictures:
Review of the Year 2002
Russian special forces recaptured a Moscow theatre seized by Chechen rebels, who took hundreds of civilian hostages. The rebels and 117 hostages died.
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Zimbabwe's troubled vote
Presidential elections were marred by violence.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Violence continued unabated throughout the year.
Angola starves
Drought and war pushed millions to the brink of starvation.
World Cup
Entertaining final set the seal on a successful football tournament.
Afghanistan's rocky peace
President Karzai worked to maintain stability after the Taleban.
Terror anniversary
A year on, the world commemorated 11 September victims.
Sniper's killing spree
Shootings spread fear around the US capital.
Bali bombed
Tourists and locals were the victims of a powerful attack.
Moscow siege
The Chechen conflict continued, its violence reaching the Russian capital.
Force of nature
Sicily's Mount Etna erupts with savage splendour
Tanker trouble
Oil from a sinking tanker caused ecological havoc in Spanish waters.
Iraq under scrutiny
UN inspections resumed in Iraq.
