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Newshour looks back over 2009 and hears personal reflections from people caught up in some of the year's biggest news stories.

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SOMALI PIRATE:

'Hassan' is a Somali Pirate based in Haradere, a pirate stronghold on the central Somalian coast.

Speaking to Newshour via a translator, he explains why he and some of his companions decided to turn to piracy as a way of making a living.

First broadcast 24 December 2009

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FORMER BANK EMPLOYEE:

At the start of the year, Janet Raiffa lived on a six figure salary in New York, took several holidays a year, and ate in expensive restaurants.

But without warning, she lost her job and suddenly she saw the world through very different eyes.

Here Janet Raiffa reflects on what it was like being caught up in the global recession.

First broadcast 25 December 2009

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MICHAEL JACKSON GUITARIST:

Michael Jackson collapsed and died at home in Los Angeles on June 25.

The news of his death spread across the planet with remarkable speed.

One person with a strong connection to the 'King of Pop' was guitarist Jennifer Batten.

First broadcast 26 December 2009

GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Former anti-apartheid campaigner Kumi Naidoo became executive director of Greenpeace International in November 2009.

He spoke to Newshour from December's Climate Change conference in Copenhagen.

What does he remember most about 2009 and what are his predictions for 2010?

First broadcast 27 December 2009

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ZIMBABWEAN FINANCE MINISTER:

Tendai Biti is a leading member of Zimbabwe's MDC, the Movement for Democratic Change.

2009 was a momentous year for Zimbabwe: its people voted in elections, and a national unity government was formed.

It was also a big year for Tendai Biti, who was appointed minister of finance in February 2009.

After years of exile and arrest, Mr Biti reflects on his year helping to govern his country.

First broadcast 28 December 2009

MEMBER OF UK PARLIAMENT:

One of the biggest political stories of 2009 in Britain was the leak and subsequent publication of British MPs' expense claims.

There was public outrage and many MP's then paid back money they had previously claimed.

John Mann from Gordon Brown's governing Labour party has been more critical than most about the way some of his colleagues abused the system.

So, looking back over the year, what are his thoughts about the expenses story and the damage it did to the reputation of Britain's MPs?

First broadcast 29 December 2009

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YOUNGEST ROUND-THE-WORLD SAILOR:

In 2009, 17-year-old Mike Perham become the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed in his yacht.

During nine months at sea Mike Perham's boat was knocked over, battered and damaged but Mike finally completed his historic voyage in August, beating the previous record by a few months.

Mike Perham spoke about the voyage, the challenges he faced and his ambitions for the future.

First broadcast 30 December 2009

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THE IRANIAN PROTESTER:

In June, the world's media turned its attention to Iran and the disputed elections there.

These were followed by the growth of the protest movement and then a violent crackdown.

Iranian journalists went back to report on what looked as though it might be a turning point in the country's history.

One of them was the London-based Iranian filmmaker, Maziar Bahari.

He was later detained in Iran's high security Evin prison for four months.

Now back in London, he reflects on his momentous year.

First broadcast 1 January 2010