The Week in Pictures: November 3 – November 9, 2015

There were no end of big news stories last week so let’s take a moment to look back over some of the most important from the last seven days

As investigations into the loss of Flight 9268 continued last week nations scrambled to make arrangements to repatriate the thousands of tourists stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh after flights to the area were suspended. The likelihood the aircraft’s destruction was caused by an explosive device planted in the hold of the aircraft led to many experts calling for a new worldwide strategy that would include more checks on airport staff and better cordons around sensitive areas of airports.

Last week saw voting begin in the first open election in Myanmar for twenty five years with the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, expected to win a majority of seats in parliament. Suu Kyi is unable to take the presidency, however, under the constitution drawn up by the army which also reserves 25% of seats for the military. “Everything will change,” said Suu Kyi optimistically as she cast her own ballot, “especially for the poor.”

In Singapore the leaders of China and Taiwan held face to face meetings last week, the first time the two nations have had such high level contact since the end of China’s civil war in 1949. The meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou was described as “historic” although Chinese State media warned the Taiwanese against independence the the pro-independence movement inside Taiwan stated only the people of the island should decide its future. Relations between the two remain strained.

In sport Jose Mourinho’s position as manager of Chelsea came under even more pressure as his side lost to Stoke 1-0 in the English Premier League. Mourinho, absent from the game serving out a stadium ban, may well have the support of fans and players but how long will his lack of results be tolerated? You’ll have to read our daily news pages to find out how long he’ll retain his job, but in the meantime lets look back at some of the big stories we covered over the last seven days.

1. Redskins WR Pierre Garcon filed a class action lawsuit against FanDuel on behalf of all NFL players whose name and likeness is used by the fantasy sports company for marketing purposes.

2. Sour grapes or conspiracy theory justified? Valentino Rossi almost achieved the impossible in Valencia, but Lorenzo could hold on to enough points thanks to his “compatriot bodyguards”, who protected his position like Rossi predicted they would. The Doctor was quite annoyed.

3. Are you a big time pro preying on recreational players coming your way at PokerStars? Then you’re going to hate the changes PokerStars are making to their rewards system. However, if you are an ordinary player who goes there for a good time, you’re welcome.

4. Fans of soccer and fantasy sports can enjoy the excellent information bettors of other sports are already used to thanks to the newly formed partnership between DraftKings and Opta.

5. The New Democratic Party of Canada plays double or nothing by reintroducing the updated gambling legislation bill which had been rejected by the conservatives once already.

6. If you like betting on the English Premier League, you’ll be happy to learn Manchester City FC and Betsafe Sportsbook decided to cooperate to enhance your gambling experience.

7. PokerStars’ new owners Amaya decided to settle some of the old debts nearly five years after the infamous Black Friday.

Meanwhile candidates for President in 2016 found themselves under various pressures last week as leading Republican Ben Carson said he thought the pyramids were built as grain stores by Joesph, Democrat Bernie Sanders had to assure people he wasn’t grumpy, and Donald Trump hosted Saturday Night Live and was heckled by Larry David who shouted “You’re a racist” at the casino owning Republican, a reference to a website that offered $5,000 for anyone that did so during the show.