JAMIE SQUIRE--GETTY IMAGES President George W. Bush

George W. Bush will soon say goodbye to the White House after serving two terms in office. For the 43rd commander in chief, it has been a busy year.

In January, President Bush traveled to Israel. He hoped to revive peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict between the two groups has a long and violent history. Still, Bush predicted that they would sign a peace agreement before he left office in January 2009. It remains unclear whether or not that goal will be reached.

President Bush also traveled to Africa. He visited five countries. While he has been president, the U.S. has given billions of dollars in aid to Africa. The money has been used to improve education and help fight deadly diseases such as malaria.

Bush also remained focused on the war in Iraq, which began more than five years ago. "The mission has been difficult and trying," Bush said in his final State of the Union address in January. "But it is in the vital interest of the U.S. that we succeed." Many people agree that Iraq is now a safer place. The U.S. and Iraqi governments are working on a plan to send American troops home by 2011.

At home, the U.S. economy has been a critical issue. In October, Bush and his team of economic advisers acted quickly to try to avoid a big money mess. Bush supported the plan to ask Congress for $700 billion to help stabilize the financial system.

For his ongoing efforts around the world and at home, President George W. Bush is a nominee for TFK Person of the Year for 2008.