As Listmas comes to a close, the editors of Reply look into their crystal ball and divine who will make headlines in the new year, and why.
Photo: Center for American Progress
Arne Duncan (U.S. Secretary of Education)
For bringing common sense education policy to the forefront of a broken system in an intense election year.
Photo: World Economic Forum
Angela Merkel
For leading Germany’s next conquest of Europe and keeping the Euro on life support.
Photo: ComSec
Goodluck Johnathan (President of Nigeria)
For putting the oil-rich, developing supernation in the headlines, for better or worse.
Photo: sabeth718
Aung San Suu Kyi
For being the symbol of and force behind normalizing relations between Myanmar and the world.
Photo: Gage Skidmore
Paul Ryan
For reclaiming his voice as the GOP’s economic evangelist.
Photo: Moby Media Group
Saad Mohseni
For helping shape the voice of Afghanistan in the 21st century through his MOBY media empire.
Photo: Photo Giddy
Tim Cook
For leading Apple into the post-Jobs future (and hopefully introducing the iPhone 5).
Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D.
Lionel Messi
For keeping the world’s attention on the beautiful game, and solidifying his status as a latter-day legend.
Photo: Steve Petteway
The Supreme Court
For passing judgement on health care reform legislation in the middle of the presidential campaign.
Photo: BackBoris2012
Boris Johnson (Mayor of London)
For surviving re-election as London’s mayor and steering the city through the spectacle of the Olympic games.
Photo: Blog do Planalto
Dilma Rouseff (President of Brazil)
For making waves for Brazil in the lead-in to the World Cup and the Olympics, and continuing the policies of her predecessor.
Photo: International Monetary Fund
George Papaconstantinou (Greek energy minister)
For helping keep the Greek economy afloat through innovative alternative energy initiatives.
