So far, the war in Iraq and the issues surrounding North Korea have topped news of international events in 2003.
During the first half of the year, the joint military operations of the United States and Britain succeeded in toppling the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Yet bitter resistance continues today. As a result, the Anglo-American forces have not gained complete control over that country.
International opinion, meanwhile, has become increasingly critical of the "unilateralism" of U.S. President George W. Bush. Even in the U.S., the Bush administration's high approval rating plummeted rapidly in the second half of the year. Moreover, Iran and Syria are becoming more suspicious and defiant of U.S. policies, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues.