THIS was the year when the world learned to live with fear. The terrorists found ever easier targets: a dancefloor in Bali, a theatre in Moscow, a hotel in Kenya.

Tony Blair warned us that Britain faced an imminent threat, and key workers were given the smallpox vaccine.

The ongoing war against terror, which defined 2002, looks set to do the same in 2003.

President George W Bush, supported by his unswerving ally Mr Blair, is preparing for battle. Even though the United Nations weapons inspectors are still investigating Iraq's arsenal, it looks next to certain that the United States will attack before spring. British forces are bound to be with them on the front line.

Mr Bush's seeming determination for another Gulf conflict puzzles many and worries more. We are left to question whether his threat to Iraq is more to do with oil and old scores than a strategically astute move in the struggle to secure world peace.

Mr Bush's other big idea, missile defence, will bring new dangers to North Yorkshire next year. The Government is about to offer him the use of RAF Fylingdales for his unproven, hugely expensive Son of Star Wars initiative.

That would promote this small corner of the world to near the top of the hit list of rogue states and terrorists, and we shall continue to campaign against it.

This was the year when foreign courts made some amends for two miscarriages of justice. Andy Jenkins is not James Bond but a planespotting welder, the Greek authorities now accept. Ian Stillman is free from an Indian jail, but still fighting to clear his name.

Politically, 2003 will be a fascinating year. We will see in May's local election whether the tribulations of former Labour group leader Rod Hills impact on the make-up of York council, now balanced on a knife-edge.

Whatever the outcome, the council will have huge responsibilities next year. York is set to change like never before, with the Coppergate inquiry result, and massive development plans for the teardrop site, Hungate and Monks Cross. The face of local sport could change almost as radically. Without imminent intervention, York's professional football club will die in weeks. Yet the creation of the York City Knights from the ashes of the Wasps does send a message of hope to all sports fans.

Ultimately, whatever is happening to the wider world, our own community is most important to us. That is why we are delighted to see people such as clockmaker Geoffrey Newey and milkman John Williamson recognised in the New Year's Honours List today.

Our campaigns, from Safe In The City and KoolKidz to Eat Local and Operation Ratcatcher, reflect the needs and concerns of this area. We will continue to champion what is best for all our readers in 2003.

Here's to a happy, hopeful New Year.

Updated: 10:29 Tuesday, December 31, 2002