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1996
U.S.
budget crisis in fourth month (Jan 3). Clinton approves
resumption of many government operations (Jan. 6). Senate
ratifies major arms reduction treaty (Jan. 26). France
announces end to nuclear tests (Jan. 29). At least 73 dead in Sri
Lankan suicide bombing (Feb. 1). Suicide bombers kill 59 in Israel
(March 4). Bob Dole sweeps Republican primaries (March 5).
Britain alarmed by deadly cow disease (March 20 et seq.).
UN tribunal charges war crimes by Bosnian Muslims and Croats (March
22). Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown killed in plane crash (April
3). FBI arrests suspected Unabomber (April 3). Clinton signs
line-item veto bill (April 9). President blocks ban on late-term
abortions (April 10). ValuJet crashes in Everglades;
all 110 aboard killed (May 11). Chechnya
peace treaty signed (May 27). Israel elects Benjamin
Netanyahu as prime minister (May 31). China
agrees to world ban on atomic testing (June 6). Leaders in
Balkans sign accord on arms limits (June 14). Jazz great Ella
Fitzgerald dies (June 15). Truck bomb kills 19 at U.S. base
in Saudi Arabia
(June 25). Boris
Yeltsin is reelected in Russian election (July 3). Prince Charles
and Princess
Diana agree on divorce (July 12). 747 airliner
crashes in Atlantic off Long Island; all 230 aboard perish (July
17). Bomb mars Summer Olympic games in Atlanta (July 25).
Clinton signs bill to raise minimum wage (Aug. 2). Congress
passes welfare reform bill (Aug. 2); approved by Clinton (Aug.
22). Republican convention opens in San Diego (Aug. 12); Bob
Dole and Jack Kemp nominated (Aug. 14). Democrats convene in
Chicago (Aug. 26). Iraqis strike at Kurdish enclave (Aug. 31);
after warning, U.S. attacks Iraq's southern air defenses (Sept.
2–3); Iraq halts attacks on U.S. planes enforcing flight exclusion
zones in north and south (Sept. 13). Violence flares in Jerusalem
over Israel opening tourist tunnel (Sept. 24). Taliban Muslim
fundamentalists capture Afghan
capital (Sept. 27). Ethnic violence breaks out in Zairian refugee
camps (Oct. 13); thousands of refugees from Rwanda and Burundi
abandon camps (Oct. 21). Clinton-Gore ticket wins national
election; Republicans retain control of Congress (Nov. 5).
Mid-air collision in India kills 342 (Nov. 12). Texaco settles
racial bias suit (Nov. 15). Hundreds of thousands of Hutu
refugees return to Rwanda (Nov. 15–18). Clinton appoints Madeleine
Albright as first female U.S. secretary of state (Dec. 5). Kofi
Annan named UN secretary-general (Dec. 13). FBI agent charged
with spying for Moscow (Dec. 18). Thousands march in Belgrade in
continuing protest against president's annulment of election results (Dec.
26).
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1997
Two
Hutu sentenced to death in Rwandan genocide (Jan. 3). Floods
cause wide damage in U.S. West (Jan. 5). Newt Gingrich reelected
as House Speaker (Jan. 7). Hebron agreement signed; Israel gives
up large part of West Bank city of Hebron (Jan. 16). U.S. shuttle
joins Russian space station (Jan. 17). Gingrich found guilty of
ethics violations (Jan. 17). President Clinton starts second term (Jan. 20). U.S., U.K., and France agree to freeze Nazis' gold
loot (Feb. 3). O. J. Simpson found liable in civil suit (Feb.
5). Deng Xiaoping, Chinese leader, dead at 92 (Feb. 19).
Israeli government approves establishment of Jewish settlement in East
Jerusalem, a setback in Middle East peace process (Feb. 26). Tornadoes
wreak havoc in Arkansas, Ohio, and Kentucky (March 3). State of
anarchy in Albania when third of population loses savings because of
pyramid schemes (March 13). Hale-Bopp
comet is the closest it will be to Earth until 4397 (March 22).
Heaven's
Gate cult members commit mass suicide in California (March 27).
U.S. Appeals Court upholds California ban on affirmative action (April
8). U.S. judge upholds California marijuana law (April 11). Tiger
Woods breaks multiple records in Masters golf tournament (April
13). Fire kills 300 pilgrims outside Mecca (April 15).
Senate, 74–26, approves chemical-weapons treaty (April 24).
Thousands flee North Dakota flood (April 27). Sergeant Major of
the Army, Gene C. McKinney, charged in sex cases (May 7). Russian
president Yeltsin signs Chechnya peace treaty (May 12).
U.S.-Russian spaceship linkup in orbit ends (May 21). U.S.
jobless rate for May reported 4.8%, lowest since 1973 (June 6).
European Union bolsters currency merger (June 16). Congress votes
major tax cuts (June 26). Hong Kong returns to Chinese rule (June
30). U.S. spacecraft begins exploration of Mars (July 4).
Andrew Cunanan murders fashion designer Gianni Versace (July 15).
Khmer Rouge
hold trial of longtime leader Pol Pot (July 25). White House and
GOP agree on measure to balance budget (July 28). U.S. spacecraft
transmits thousands of pictures from Mars (Aug. 8). Clinton
exercises new line-item veto (Aug. 11). Timothy J. McVeigh
sentenced to death for Oklahoma City bombing (Aug. 14). Princess
Diana, 36, killed with two others in Paris car crash (Aug. 31).
Three Islamic suicide bombers kill four persons in Jerusalem (Sept.
4). Mother
Teresa dead at 87 (Sept. 5). Swiss plan first payment to
Holocaust victims (Sept. 17). Militant Taliban leaders seize
Kabul (Sept. 27). Iraq expels all U.S. members of UN
arms-inspection team (Oct. 29). GOP victorious in off-year
elections (Nov. 4). Pakistani convicted in 1993 CIA killings (Nov.
10). Two convicted in New York World Trade Center bombing (Nov.
12). Egyptian Islamic militants kill 62 at Luxor tourist site (Nov.
17). FBI ends 16-month investigation of crash of Flight 800 off Long
Island; denies sabotage (Nov. 18). European Union plans to admit
six nations (Dec. 13). U.S. company launches first commercial spy
satellite (Dec. 24). Paris court convicts “Carlos the Jackal”
of murder (Dec. 24).
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1998
Ramzi
Ahmed Yousef sentenced to life for 1993 World Trade Center bombing (Jan.
9). Pope John Paul II visits Cuba (Jan. 21–25). President
accused in White House sex
scandal; denies allegations of affair with White House intern,
Monica Lewinsky (Jan. 21 et seq.). President outlines
first balanced budget in 30 years (Feb. 3). U.S. plane cuts ski
cable in Italy and sends car plunging; 20 killed (Feb. 3).
Thousands dead in Afghanistan quake (Feb. 4 et seq.). U.S.
court rules line-item veto unconstitutional (Feb. 12). Serbs
battle ethnic Albanians in Kosovo
(March 5 et seq.). U.S. drops condemnation of China's
human rights record (March 13). Hindu nationalist Vajpayee
becomes India's prime minister (March 19). FDA approves Viagra,
male impotence drug (March 27). Federal judge in Arkansas throws
out Paula Jones case (April 1). Landmark peace settlement, the
Good Friday Accord, reached in Northern Ireland (April 10). U.S.
trade deficit biggest in decade (April 17). Europeans agree on
single currency, the euro
(May 3). Unabomber, Theodore Kaczynski, sentenced to four life
terms (May 4). India conducts three atomic tests despite
worldwide disapproval (May 11, 13). Indonesian dictator Suharto
steps down after 32 years in power (May 21). Pakistan stages five
nuclear tests in response to India's (May 29, 30). Serbs renew
attack on Kosovo rebels (June 1). Life sentence meted out to
Terry Nichols, convicted in Oklahoma City bombing fatal to 168 (June
4). Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha dies (June 8). Congress
votes to overhaul IRS (July 9). Iraq ends cooperation with UN
arms inspectors (Aug. 5). U.S. embassies
in Kenya and Tanzania bombed (Aug. 7). Clinton admits to
affair with White House intern in televised address to nation (Aug.
17). Russia fights to avert financial collapse (Aug. 17).
U.S. cruise missiles hit suspected terrorist bases in Sudan and
Afghanistan (Aug. 20). North Korea fires missile across Japan (Aug.
31). Swissair jet crashes; kills 229 (Sept. 2). Starr Report
by independent counsel outlines case for impeachment proceedings against
president (Sept. 11). Senate sustains veto of bill to outlaw
late-term abortions (Sept. 18). Iran lifts death threat against
Salman Rushdie (Sept. 24). German chancellor Helmut Kohl defeated
by Gerhard Schröder (Sept. 27). U.S. budget surplus largest in
three decades (Oct. 5). Matthew Shepard, gay Wyoming student,
fatally beaten in hate crime (Oct. 6). NATO, on verge of air
strikes, reaches settlement with Milosevic on Kosovo
(Oct. 12). Former Chilean dictator Pinochet arrested in London (Oct.
16). Wye
Mills Agreement between Netanyahu and Arafat moves Middle East peace
talks forward (Oct. 23). More than 10,000 die in Central American
hurricane, Mitch (Nov. 1). Democrats unexpectedly gain five House
seats in national election; Republicans keep control of House and Senate
(Nov. 3). House Speaker Gingrich to step down (Nov. 9).
House panel drafts impeachment charges; votes along party lines to
approve four articles (Dec. 11–12). Clinton orders air strikes
on Iraq (Dec. 16–19). House impeaches President Clinton along
party lines on two charges, perjury and obstruction of justice (Dec.
19).
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1999
U.S.
agrees to ease restrictions on Cuba
(Jan. 4). Dennis Hastert elected to replace Newt Gingrich as
Speaker of the House (Jan. 6). NBA ends 191-day labor dispute (Jan.
6). International Olympic Committee expels six members as bribery
scandal widens (Jan. 24). King Hussein of Jordan dies (Feb.
7). Senate acquits President Clinton of impeachment charges (Feb.
12). Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo elected president of Nigeria (Feb.
28). First nonstop balloon flight around world completed in 20 days
by Bertrand Piccard (Switzerland) and Brian Jones (UK) (March
1–20). Marine pilot acquitted in killing of 20 in 1998 Italian ski
gondola accident; Italians outraged (March 4). U.S. accuses China
of stealing nuclear secrets (March 5). Joe DiMaggio dies at age
84 (March 8). Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary join NATO (March
12). NATO launches air strikes on Serbia to end attacks against
ethnic Albanians in Kosovo (March 24). Dr. Jack Kevorkian
convicted of second-degree murder in assisted-suicide case (March
26). “Melissa” computer virus spreads through the Internet (March
27). Libya hands over two suspects in 1988 Pan Am jet bombing (April
5). Two Colo. students go on shooting spree in Columbine
High School, killing 15, including themselves (April 20). NATO
bombs mistakenly hit Chinese embassy in Belgrade (May 7). Citadel
graduates its first woman (May 8). Crime rate in U.S. falls for
seventh consecutive year (May 16). Ehud Barak defeats Benjamin
Netanyahu in Israeli prime minister election (May 17). U.S.
inspects suspected nuclear weapons site in North Korea, finds nothing (May
20–24). Serbs sign agreement to pull troops out of Kosovo after 11
weeks of NATO air attacks (June 9). Nelson Mandela retires as
president of South Africa; succeeded by Thabo Mbeki (June 16).
Britain's Prince Edward marries Sophie Rhys-Jones (June 19). Kurd
leader Abdullah Ocalan sentenced to death for treason in Turkey (June
29). White supremacist goes on shooting spree in Midwest, killing
three including self and wounding eight (July 2–5). U.S. soccer
team tops China for women's World Cup (July 10). Taiwanese leader
Lee Teng-hui challenges “One China” policy (July 11). Serial
killer Rafael Reséndez-Ramirez surrenders himself to U.S. authorities (July
13). John
F. Kennedy, Jr., wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and sister-in-law
Lauren Bessette killed in plane crash off coast of Martha's Vineyard (July
16). Col. Eileen Collins becomes first female to head a space
shuttle mission (July 16). Falun Gong meditation sect banned by
Chinese government (July 22). Day-trader kills 9 and wounds 13 in
two Atlanta brokerage offices before committing suicide (July 29).
Yeltsin replaces Prime Minister Stepashin with Vladimir Putin in fourth
government shakeup in 17 months (Aug. 9). Islamic militants
declare independence for Dagestan
and announce holy war against Russia (Aug. 10). White supremacist
opens fire at Jewish community center in LA, wounding five and killing
one as he flees (Aug. 10). More than 17,000 people die in 7.4
earthquake in Turkey (Aug. 17). Attorney General Janet Reno
reopens investigation of 1993 Waco, Tex., stand-off (Aug. 25).
People of East
Timor vote for independence from Indonesia (Aug. 31). Israeli
prime minister Ehud Barak and PLO leader Yasir Arafat announce peace
accord (Sept. 4). Larry Gene Ashbrook goes on rampage in Tex.
church, killing seven and himself (Sept. 15). NASA accidentally
loses $125 million spacecraft as it orbits Mars (Sept. 23).
Dozens of people exposed to radiation in Japan's worst nuclear accident (Sept.
30). Russia sends ground troops to Chechnya as conflict with Islamic
militants intensifies (Oct. 1). World population reaches six
billion milestone (Oct. 11). Military coup led by Gen. Pervez
Musharraf overthrows Pakistani government (Oct. 12). Tobacco
companies admit to harm caused by cigarette smoking (Oct. 13).
Senate rejects 1996 nuclear test-ban treaty; international leaders upset
by U.S. stand (Oct. 13). Indonesia elects Muslim leader Abdurrahman
Wahid president (Oct. 20). Pro golfer Payne Stewart and five
others killed in plane crash (Oct. 25). EgyptAir flight crashes
over Atlantic, killing all 217 on board (Oct. 31). Judge finds
Microsoft to be a monopoly (Nov. 5). U.S. and China reach
landmark trade agreement (Nov. 15). China launches first
spacecraft (Nov. 21). Five-year-old Cuban refugee Elián González
gets caught in politically charged custody battle (Nov. 25).
World Trade Organization conference disrupted by violent protests in
Seattle (Nov. 29 et seq.). New Northern Ireland government
begins self-rule for first time in 25 years (Dec. 2). Muslim
terrorists hijack Indian Airlines jet with 189 on board (Dec. 24).
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2000
Socialist
president, Ricardo
Lagos, elected in Chile (Jan. 16). George
W. Bush and Al
Gore take Iowa caucuses in U.S. presidential race (Jan. 22).
Austria at center of European dispute after conservative People's Party
forms coalition with the far-right Freedom Party, headed by xenophobe Jörg
Haider (Feb. 3). First Lady Hillary
Clinton officially enters N.Y. Senate race (Feb. 6).
Hijackers seize Afghan plane; release hostages in Stansted, England (Feb.
6–12). Britain ends self-rule in Northern Ireland after Irish
Republican Army misses disarmament deadline (Feb. 11). NEAR
spacecraft becomes first to orbit an asteroid (Feb. 14). Wary
investors cause stock plunge; beginning of the end of the Internet stock
boom (Feb. 25). Reformists win control of Iranian parliament for
first time since 1979 Islamic revolution (Feb. 26). Gun maker
Smith & Wesson limits the manufacture and distribution of handguns
in light of lawsuits (March 17). Mass murder or suicide of
hundreds in Ugandan doomsday cult (March 18). Acting Russian
president Vladimir
V. Putin formally chosen for post (March 25). Microsoft loses
antitrust suit; appeal expected (April 3). Controversial Osprey
plane crash kills 19 marines (April 8). Cuban boy Elián
González reunited with father after federal raid of Miami
relatives' home (April 22). Vermont approves same-sex
unions (April 25). “I love you” virus disrupts computers
worldwide (May 4). South Carolina removes Confederate battle flag
from capitol dome (May 18). Chile ends Augusto
Pinochet's immunity, clearing way for trial on murder and torture
charges during years as dictator (May 24). Israeli troops
withdraw from Lebanese security zone after 22 years of occupation (May
24). Former Indonesian president Suharto
under house arrest, charged with corruption and abuse of power (May
29). Britain restores parliamentary powers to Northern Ireland after
Sinn Fein
agrees to disarm (June 4). Presidents of North and South Korea
sign peace accord, ending half-century of antagonism (June 15).
British find 58 bodies of illegal Asian immigrants suffocated in Dutch
truck that transported them (June 20). Elián González returns
to Cuba with father (June 23). U.S. navy resumes shelling
exercises of Puerto Rico's Vieques
Island, used as a training site (June 25). Human
genome deciphered; expected to revolutionize the practice of
medicine (June 26). Iraq believed to resume missile program
(June 30). Vicente Fox Quesada elected president of Mexico (July
2). Bashar al-Assad succeeds late father, Hafez al-Assad, as Syrian
president (July 10). Concorde crash kills 113 near Paris (July
25). Republican convention picks Texas governor George W. Bush as
presidential candidate; Dick
Cheney for vice presidential spot (Aug. 2). Democratic
convention selects Vice President Al Gore and Sen.
Joseph I. Lieberman to head ticket (Aug. 14). Los Alamos
scientist Wen Ho
Lee, accused of stealing sensitive nuclear weapons data, freed after
serving nine months in prison (Sept. 13). Olympic Games open in
Australia (Sept. 15). Six-year Whitewater investigation of the
Clintons ends without indictments (Sept. 20). Yugoslav opposition
claims victory; incumbent Slobodan
Milosevic denies results (Sept. 25). Danish voters reject
euro (Sept. 26). Abortion pill, RU-486, wins U.S. approval (Sept.
28). Palestinians and Israelis clash, spurred by visit of right-wing
Israeli leader Ariel
Sharon to a joint Jewish/Muslim holy site; “Al Aksa intifada”
continues unabated (Sept. 30 et seq.). Nationwide uprising
overthrows Yugoslavian president Milosevic (Oct. 5). Vojislav
Kostunica sworn in as Yugoslav president (Oct. 7). 17 U.S.
sailors on navy destroyer Cole die in Yemen terrorist explosion (Oct.
12). U.S. presidential election closest in decades; Bush's slim lead
in Florida leads to automatic recount in that state (Nov. 7–8).
Republicans file federal suit to block manual recount of Florida
presidential election ballots sought by Democrats (Nov. 11).
Philippine president Joseph
Estrada impeached after receiving gambling payoffs (Nov. 13).
Florida Supreme Court rules hand count of presidential ballots may
continue (Nov. 21). Global warming talks collapse at Hague
conference (Nov. 25). Florida Secretary of State Katherine
Harris certifies Bush as winner by 537 votes (Nov. 26). Mad
Cow disease alarms Europe (Nov. 30 et seq.). Israeli
prime minister Ehud
Barak resigns (Dec. 9). U.S. Supreme Court orders halt to
manual recount of presidential votes in Florida (Dec. 9). Supreme
Court seals Bush victory by 5–4; rules there can be no further
recounting (Dec. 12).
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2001
Congo
president Laurent
Kabila assassinated by bodyguard (Jan. 16). In final days of
presidency, Bill
Clinton issues controversial pardons, including one for Marc Rich,
billionaire fugitive financier (Jan. 20). George
W. Bush is sworn in as 43rd president (Jan. 20). Earthquake
kills thousands in India (Jan. 26 et seq.). Libyan
convicted in Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie,
Scotland (Jan. 31). Right-winger Ariel
Sharon wins election in Israel (Feb. 6). U.S. submarine Greeneville
sinks Japanese fishing boat, killing 9 (Feb. 9). FBI agent Robert
Hanssen is charged with spying for Russia for 15 years (Feb. 20).
The long-simmering resentment of Macedonia's ethnic Albanians erupts
into violence (March 15 et seq.). British livestock
epidemic, foot-and-mouth
disease, reaches crisis levels (March 23). Bush abandons
global-warming treaty (Kyoto Protocol), angering European leaders (March
30). U.S. spy plane and Chinese jet collide. The 24 crew members of
the U.S. plane are detained for 11 days; U.S. issues a formal statement
of regret (April 2 et seq.). Race riots in Cincinnati
continue for several days following a shooting of an unarmed black man
by a white police officer (April 7 et seq.). U.S.
millionaire Dennis
Tito becomes first space tourist, visiting the International Space
Station aboard a Russian booster (April 28). Former Klansman
Thomas E. Blanton convicted of 1963 murder of four black girls in
Birmingham, Ala. (May 1). After a Palestinian suicide bomber
kills 5 and wounds more than 100 in a Netanya shopping mall, Israeli
warplanes retaliate by bombing West Bank and Gaza strip (May 18).
Four are declared guilty in 1998 terrorist bombings of U.S. embassies in
Kenya and Tanzania (May 29). Balance of the Senate shifts after
Jim Jeffords of Vermont changes his party affiliation from Republican to
Independent. The move strips Republicans of control of the Senate and
gives Democrats the narrowest of majorities (50–49–1) (June 5).
Bush signs new tax-cut law, cutting taxes by $1.35 trillion over 11
years, the largest tax cut in 2 decades (June 7). Mohammad
Khatami, Iran's moderate president, is reelected in a landslide (June
9). Oklahoma City bomber Timothy
McVeigh executed (June 11). Syrian forces evacuate Beirut
area after decades of occupation (June 19). Former Yugoslav
president Slobodan Milosevic is delivered to UN tribunal in The Hague to
await war-crimes trial (June 29). Without U.S., 178 nations reach
agreement on climate accord, which rescues, though dilutes, 1997 Kyoto
Protocol (July 23). Bush allows stem cell research, approving
federal funds for studies using existing strains of stem
cells (Aug. 9). After six months of fighting, a peace
agreement is signed between rebels and the Macedonian government (Aug.
13). Budget surplus dwindles; some blame the slowing economy and the
Bush tax cut (Aug. 22). Terrorists
attack United States. Hijackers ram jetliners into twin towers of
New York City's World
Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane crashes 80 mi
outside of Pittsburgh. Toll of dead is more than 3,000. Within days,
Islamic militant Osama
bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist network are identified as the
parties behind the attacks (Sept. 11). Anthrax
scare rivets nation, as anthrax-laced letters are sent to various media
and government officials. Several die after handling the letters (October
5 et seq.). In response to Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, U.S.
and British forces launch bombing campaign against Taliban
government and al-Qaeda terrorist camps in Afghanistan. Bombings
continue on a daily basis (Oct. 7 et seq.). Irish
Republican Army announces that it has begun to dismantle its weapons
arsenal, marking a dramatic leap forward in Northern Ireland peace
process (Oct. 23). Plane crash kills 260 in Queens, N.Y. (Nov.
12). Afghani factions create a post-Taliban government (Nov. 27).
Enron Corp., one of world's largest energy companies, files for
bankruptcy (Dec. 2). Israel condemns the Palestinian Authority as
a “terror-supporting entity” and severs ties with leader Yasir
Arafat following mounting violence against Israelis. The Israeli
Army begins bombing Palestinian areas (Dec. 4 et seq.).
Taliban regime in Afghanistan collapses after two months of bombing by
American warplanes and fighting by Northern Alliance ground troops (Dec.
9). Hamid
Karzai, new interim Afghan leader, is sworn in (Dec. 22).
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2002
The
euro currency debuts in 12 European countries (Jan. 2). U.S.
takes Taliban
and al-Qaeda
prisoners to Guantanamo
Bay (Jan. 10). Defrocked priest John Geoghan convicted of child
molestation; church's role in cover-up sparks national outrage (Jan.
18). U.S. reporter Daniel Pearl kidnapped in Pakistan
(Jan. 23). Kenneth
L. Lay, chairman of bankrupt energy trader Enron, resigns; company
under federal investigation for hiding debt and misrepresenting earnings
(Jan. 24). President Bush's first State of Union address labels Iran,
Iraq, and North
Korea “an axis of evil” (Jan. 29). Queen
Elizabeth II of England marks 50 years as monarch (Feb 6).
The trial of Slobodan Milosevic
on charges of crimes against humanity opens at The Hague (Feb. 12).
American Taliban soldier John
Walker Lindh charged with supporting terrorism (Feb. 13).
Reporter Pearl confirmed dead in Pakistan (Feb. 21). Angolan
UNITA rebel leader Jonas
Savimbi killed in battle (Feb. 22). Tamil Tigers and Sri
Lankan government sign a cease-fire agreement (Feb. 22). Hundreds
in India die in Hindu-Muslim clashes (March 2). U.S. and Afghan
troops launch Operation Anaconda against remaining al-Qaeda and Taliban
fighters in Afghanistan
(March 2). Saudi peace proposal—offering Israel normal
relations with all Arab nations in return for withdrawal from occupied
territories—approved at Arab
League summit (March 28). Israeli tanks and warplanes attack
West Bank towns of Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, and others in response to
string of Palestinian suicide attacks. In the first three months of
2002, 14 suicide bombers killed dozens of Israeli civilians and wounded
hundreds (March 29–April 21). Israeli prime minister Sharon
calls for exile of Palestinian leader Yasir
Arafat (April 2). UNITA Rebels and Angolan government sign a
cease-fire ending 30 years of civil war (April 4). International
Criminal Court wins UN ratification, but U.S. refuses to ratify (April
11). Venezuelan president Hugo
Chavez ousted in coup, then reinstated (April 12, 14). U.S.
and Russia reach landmark arms agreement to cut both countries' nuclear
arsenals by up to two-thirds over the next ten years (May 13). East
Timor becomes a new nation (May 20). In letter to Director,
FBI lawyer Coleen Rowley criticizes FBI for thwarting terrorist efforts (May
21). Dirty bomb plot foiled with arrest of Jose Padilla (June
10). U.S. abandons 31-year-old Antiballistic
Missile treaty (June 13). At national conference, U.S.
bishops recommend zero tolerance policy for priests who abuse children (June
14). Arthur Andersen firm convicted of destroying documents relating
to former client Enron Corp. (June 15). Bush announces U.S. will
not recognize an independent Palestinian state until Yasir Arafat is
replaced (June 24). WorldCom, after admitting to misstating
profits, files for bankruptcy—largest claim in U.S. history (July
21). Pennsylvania miners rescued after spending 77 hours in a dark,
flooded mine shaft (July 28). Bush signs corporate reform bill in
response to spate of corporate scandals (July 30). Bush addresses
United Nations, calls for a “regime change” in Iraq (Sept. 12).
Tyco executives L. Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz indicted in
stock-fraud scheme (Sept. 12). Five al-Qaeda terrorist suspects
arrested in New York (Sept. 13). Terrorist bomb in Bali
kills hundreds (Oct. 12). Government suspended in Northern
Ireland in protest of suspected IRA spy ring (Oct. 14).
Former ImClone Executive Sam Waksal pleads guilty to charges including
fraud and perjury (Oct. 15). North Korea admits to developing
nuclear arms in defiance of treaty (Oct. 16). Vatican calls for
softening of U.S. bishops' abuse policy (Oct. 18). Chechen rebels
take 763 hostages in Moscow theater; Russian authorities release a gas
into theater, killing 116 hostages and freeing remaining survivors (Oct.
23–26). Snipers prey upon DC suburbs, killing ten and wounding
others (Oct. 2–24). Police arrest two sniper suspects, John
Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo (Oct. 24). CIA kills six al-Qaeda members in Yemen
(Nov. 4). Republicans retake the Senate in midterm elections;
gain additional House seats (Nov. 5). UN Security Council passes
unanimous resolution calling on Iraq to disarm or else face “serious
consequences” (Nov. 8). China's Jiang
Zemin officially retires as general secretary; Hu
Jintao named as his successor (Nov. 14). UN arms inspectors
return to Iraq (Nov. 18). EPA relaxes Clean Air Act (Nov. 22).
Bush signs legislation creating cabinet-level Department of Homeland
Security (Nov. 25). Boston archbishop Cardinal Bernard Law
resigns over growing child sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church
(Dec. 13). Trent
Lott steps down as Republican leader after furor over
pro-segregationist remark (Dec. 20). Sen. Bill Frist unanimously
elected Republican leader of the Senate (Dec. 23).
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2003
North
Korea withdraws from treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear
weapons (Jan. 10). Illinois governor George
Ryan commutes 167 death row sentences, calling capital punishment
flawed (Jan. 11). White House announces huge deficits expected to
top $200 billion in 2003 (Jan. 15). The UN's report on Iraqi
weapons inspections is highly critical, but not damning (Jan. 27).
In State of the Union address, Bush announces that he is ready to attack
Iraq even without a UN mandate (Jan. 28). Ariel
Sharon elected Israeli prime minister (Jan. 29). Space
shuttle Columbia explodes, killing all seven astronauts (Feb.
1). Nine-week general strike in Venezuela calling for President
Chavez's resignation ends in defeat (Feb. 2). U.S. Secretary
of State Powell presents Iraq war rationale to UN, citing Iraqi
weapons as imminent threat to world security (Feb. 5). Massive
peace demonstrations take place around the world, protesting potential
invasion of Iraq (Feb. 15). UN Security Council members France,
Germany, and Russia insist that “the military option should only be a
last resort” concerning Iraq (Feb. 24). Serbian prime minister
Zoran Djindjic assassinated (March 12). Hu Jintao succeeds
Chinese president Jiang Zemin (March 15). The United States and
Britain launch war against Iraq (March 19). Baghdad falls to U.S.
troops (April 9). European Union expands by ten nations (April
16). First Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud
Abbas, sworn in (April 29). U.S.-backed “road map” for
peace proposed for Middle East (April 30). The United States
declares official end to combat operations in Iraq (May 1). U.S.
diplomat Paul
Bremer becomes civil administrator of occupied Iraq (May 12).
Bush signs
ten-year, $350-billion tax-cut package, the third-largest tax cut in
U.S. history (May 28). Terrorists strike in Saudi
Arabia, killing 34 at Western compound; al-Qaeda
suspected (May 12). Burmese opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi again placed under house arrest by military regime (May
30). Eric Rudolph, Olympic bombing suspect, arrested (May 31).
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discovers Iran's
concealed nuclear activities and calls for intensified inspections
(June 18). In one of the most important rulings on the issue of
affirmative action in 25 years, the U.S. Supreme Court decisively
upholds the use of affirmative
action in higher education (June 23). Palestinian militant
groups announce cease-fire toward Israel (June 29). Secretary of
Defense Donald
Rumsfeld announces price of Iraq war is about $3.9 billion a month,
nearly double the April estimate (July 9). Iraq's interim
governing council is inaugurated (July 13). Saddam Hussein's
sons killed
in firefight (July 22). Mutinous troops attempt unsuccessful coup
in Philippines (July 27). Terrorist bombing at Indonesian hotel
kills ten (Aug. 6). Liberia's autocratic president Charles
Taylor forced to leave civil war–ravaged country (Aug. 11).
NATO assumes control of peacekeeping force in Afghanistan
(Aug. 11). Libya
accepts blame for 1988 bombing of flight over Lockerbie, Scotland;
agrees to pay $2.7 billion to the families of the 270 victims (Aug.
15). Suicide bombing destroys UN headquarters in Baghdad, killing
24, including top envoy
Sergio Vieira de Mello (Aug. 19). Palestinian suicide bombing
in Jerusalem kills 20 Israelis, including 6 children (Aug. 19).
Venezuelan opposition files petition for referendum to recall President
Hugo Chavez (Aug. 20). After Israel retaliates for suicide
bombing by killing top member of Hamas, militant Palestinian groups
formally withdraw from cease-fire in effect since June 29 (Aug. 24).
Investigation into the loss of space
shuttle Columbia cites egregious organizational problems at
NASA (Aug. 25). Congressional Budget Office predicts federal
deficit of $480 billion in 2004 and $5.8 trillion by 2013 (Aug. 26). Palestinian
prime minister Mahmoud
Abbas resigns; “road map” to peace effectively collapses (Sept.
6). California governor Gray Davis ousted in recall vote; actor Arnold
Schwarzenegger elected in his place (Oct. 7). UN votes in
favor of a resolution ordering Israel to end construction of security
barrier dividing Israeli and Palestinian areas (Oct. 24). Bush
signs bill banning so-called partial-birth abortion procedure (Nov.
5). President Bush signs $87.5 billion emergency package for
post-war Iraq reconstruction; this supplements $79 billion approved in
April (Nov. 5). New Palestinian prime minister Ahmed
Qurei takes office (Nov. 12). Alabama chief justice Roy
S. Moore forced from office after his refusal to remove monument of
the Ten Commandments (Nov. 13). The Bush Administration reverses
policy, agrees to transfer power to an interim Iraqi government sooner
than originally planned (Nov 14). Suicide bombers attack two
synagogues in Istanbul, Turkey, killing 25 (Nov. 15).
Massachusetts Supreme Court rules in favor of gay marriage (Nov. 18).
Another terrorist attack in Istanbul kills 26; al-Qaeda suspected in
both (Nov. 20). Georgian president
Eduard Shevardnadze resigns after weeks of protests (Nov. 23).
John A.
Muhammad, convicted in the 2002 Washington, DC, area shootings,
receives death sentence (Nov. 24). President Bush eliminates
steel tariffs after WTO says U.S. violated trade laws (Dec. 4). Saddam
Hussein is captured by American troops (Dec. 13). Paul Martin
succeeds Jean Chretien as Canadian
prime minister (Dec. 12). Libyan leader Muammar
Qaddafi announces he will give up weapons program (Dec. 19).
Information
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2004
Iraq
weapons investigator David Kay resigns, says there’s no evidence of
weapons of mass destruction, one of the Bush administration’s chief
reasons for launching war in Iraq (Jan. 23). Bush proposes
ambitious space program that includes flights to the Moon, Mars, and
beyond (Jan. 14). Former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow pleads guilty to
defrauding Enron (Jan. 13). About one third of Iran's Parliament
steps down to protest hard-line Guardian Council’s banning of more
than 2,000 reformists from running in parliamentary elections (Feb.
1). A. Q. Khan, founder of Pakistan's nuclear program, admits he
sold nuclear-weapons designs to other countries, including North Korea,
Iran, and Libya (Feb. 4). Armed rebels in Haiti force President
Aristide to resign and flee the country (Feb. 29). Spain is
rocked by terrorist attacks, killing more than 200. Al Qaeda takes
responsibility (March 11). Spain's governing Popular Party loses
election to opposition Socialists. Outcome seen as a reaction to
terrorist attacks days before and Popular Party's support of the
U.S.-led war in Iraq (March 14). North Atlantic Treaty
Organization formally admits 7 new countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia (March 29). John Kerry
secures Democratic nomination after winning nine out of ten primaries
and caucuses (March 2). Israeli prime minister Sharon announces
plan to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza Strip (April 12). Greek
Cypriots reject UN reunification plan with Turkish Cypriots (April
24). U.S. media release graphic photos of American soldiers abusing
and sexually humiliating Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison. Images
spark outrage around the world (April 30). Sudan rebels (SPLA)
and government reach accord to end 21-year civil war. However, separate
war in western Darfur region between Arab militias and black Africans
continues unabated (May 26). U.S. troops launch offensive in
Falluja in response to killing and mutilation on March 31 of four U.S.
civilian contractors. (April 5–May 1). Gay marriages begin in
Massachusetts, the first state in the country to legalize such unions (May
17). U.S. hands over power to Iraqi interim government; Iyad Allawi
becomes prime minister (June 28). Israeli Supreme Court orders
removal of part of security barrier dividing Israeli and Palestinian
lands (June 30). Security Council demands Sudanese government
disarm militias in Darfur that are massacring civilians (July 30).
Senate Intelligence Committee reports that intelligence on Iraq's
weapons programs was “overstated” and flawed (July 5). Sept.11
commission harshly criticizes government’s handling of terrorist
attacks (July 22). Democratic National Convention in Boston
nominates John Kerry for president (July 26–29). Florida hit by
hurricanes Bonnie (Aug. 12). and Charley (Aug. 13). Venezuelan
president Hugo Chavez survives recall referendum (Aug. 16).
Pentagon-sponsored Schlesinger report rejects idea that Abu Ghraib
prison abuse was work of a few aberrant soldiers, and asserts there were
"fundamental failures throughout all levels of command” (Aug.
24). Republican Convention in New York re-nominates President Bush
(Aug. 30–Sept. 2). Summer Olympics take place in Athens, Greece
(Aug. 13–29). Chechen terrorists take about 1,200 schoolchildren
and others hostage in Beslan, Russia; 340 people die when militant
detonate explosives (Sept. 1–3). U.S.’s final report on
Iraq’s weapons finds no WMDs (Sept. 16). Hurricane Ivan ravages
U.S. south (Sept. 15). UN Atomic Energy Agency tells Iran to stop
enriching uranium; a nascent nuclear weapons program suspected (Sept.
18). Hurricane Jeanne hits Florida (Sept. 26). Bush eases
trade restrictions on Libya (Sept. 20). Congress extends tax cuts
due to expire at the end of 2005 (Sept. 23). 380 tons of
explosives reported missing in Iraq (Oct. 25). Bush reelected
president (Nov. 2). U.S. troops launch attack on Falluja,
stronghold of the Iraqi insurgency (Nov. 8). Yasir Arafat dies in
Paris (Nov. 11). Ukraine presidential election declared
fraudulent (Nov. 21). Red Cross alleges abuse at U.S.-run Guantánamo
prison (Nov. 30). Hamid Karzai inaugurated as Afghanistan's first
popularly elected president (Dec. 7). Missile test fails; setback
for Bush administration's missile defense system (Dec. 15).
Massive protests by supporters of opposition candidate Viktor
Yushchenko's lead to a new Ukrainian election; Yushchenko eventually
declared prime minister (Dec. 26). Enormous tsunami devastates
Asia; 200,000 killed (Dec. 26).
Information
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World
-
Relief Pours into Asia (Jan.
2): Helicopters based on American aircraft carriers off the
Indonesian coast begin dropping tons of supplies to survivors of the
tsunami that devastated a dozen Asian nations. International
community has pledged more than $2 billion in aid. (Jan. 5):
U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell tours regions of the Indonesian
province of Aceh and says the devastation is the worst he's ever
seen. “I’ve been in war and I’ve been through a number of
hurricanes, tornadoes and other relief operations, but I have never
seen anything like this,” he says. Death toll in the disaster
reaches 150,000. (Jan. 19): Death toll in the
disaster reaches 226,000. Indonesia by far hit the hardest, with
166,320 victims.
-
Iraqi Violence Intensifies as
Election Nears (Jan. 4): Ali al-Haidari, governor of
Baghdad Province, assassinated by insurgents who are seeking to
thwart elections scheduled for January 30. (Jan. 7):
Insurgency is growing in intensity as election draws near. U.S. Lt.
Gen. Thomas Metz acknowledges that large parts of nearly 25% of
Iraq's provinces are not secure enough to hold elections. Baghdad is
one of the four provinces cited. Roadside bomb kills seven U.S.
soldiers. (Jan. 10): Deputy police chief of Baghdad
and his son, a policeman, assassinated by insurgents in Baghdad.
Militant group headed by Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi takes
responsibility. (Jan 11): Iraqi prime minister Ayad
Allawi admits that some areas of Iraq are likely to be too dangerous
to hold elections. (Jan. 17): Catholic archbishop
Basile Georges Casmoussa kidnapped by insurgents in Mosul. (Jan.
19): Five car bombs explode in Baghdad and kill 26 people,
including several Iraqi security troops. Insurgents blamed. (Jan.
29): Rocket attack on the American Embassy in Baghdad kills
two Americans. (Jan. 30): About 8.5 million Iraqis,
58% of the population, turn out to vote in first democratic
elections in more than 50 years. Election-day violence kills more
than 40, but vote was much smoother than anticipated. President Bush
calls election a “resounding success.” Iraqis vote to select a
275-seat National Assembly and 18 provincial assemblies. Voters do
not vote for individual politicians, but instead for a group of
candidates representing a political party or coalition.
-
Abbas Wins Election in a
Landslide (Jan. 9): Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the
Palestine Liberation Organization, takes 62.3% of the vote in race
for president of the Palestinian Authority. Abbas succeeds Yasir
Arafat, who died in Nov. 2004. (Jan 15): Abbas
sworn in as the president of the Palestinian Authority.
-
Sudanese Government and Rebels
Sign Peace Agreement (Jan. 9): Islamic government and
Christian rebels from the south agree to end conflict that has
lasted more than 20 years and claimed about two million people.
-
U.S. Ends Search for Weapons
(Jan. 12): The White House announces that the search for
weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, one of the main justifications
for the war, is over and that no such weapons were found.
-
Palestinian Militants Attack
Israelis (Jan. 13): Six civilians killed in Gaza Strip.
Israelis respond by killing the militants. (Jan 14):
Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon announces he will not engage
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas until he moves against
militants.
-
New Ukrainian President Sworn
In (Jan. 23): Viktor Yushchenko, who defeated Viktor
Yanukovich in third round of controversial election, takes oath of
office in Kiev.
-
Dozens of Marines Die in Copter
Crash (Jan. 26): In deadliest day in Iraq in nearly two
years, 31 soldiers are killed when their helicopter goes down near
the Jordanian border. Cause of the crash is unknown.
-
UN Reports on Darfur (Jan. 30):
Commission investigating violence finds war crimes and crimes
against humanity have occurred in western Sudan, but genocide has
not.
-
Former Presidents to Lead Aid
Drive (Jan. 3): President Bush calls on George H.W. Bush
and Bill Clinton to lead a nationwide charity campaign to raise
funds for victims of December 2004's devastating earthquake and
tsunami.
-
House Changes Ethics Rules
(Jan. 3): At the request of House majority leader Tom DeLay, Republicans vote to rescind a rule enacted in Nov. 2004 that
would allow leaders and committee members to hold on to positions if
indicted. Rule was passed on behalf of DeLay, who was admonished
three times in 2004 for ethical missteps. (Jan. 4):
On the opening day of the 109th Congress, House votes, 220–195, to
dismiss complaints if the ethics committee deadlocks on the issue.
-
Attorney General Nominee Faces
Tough Questioning (Jan. 6): Alberto Gonzales says the U.S.
will follow international law and not use torture in the
interrogation of terror suspects. Abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison
dominates often contentious questioning by both Democrats and
Republicans.
-
Bush Nominates Homeland
Security Secretary (Jan. 11): If confirmed, Michael
Chertoff, federal appeals judge and former prosecutor, will succeed
Tom Ridge.
-
Abu Ghraib Abuser Convicted
(Jan. 13): U.S. Army reservist Charles Graner found guilty
by a military jury of abusing prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison in
Iraq. The charges against him, include assault, conspiracy,
maltreatment of detainees, committing indecent acts, and dereliction
of duty. (Jan. 14): Jury sentences him to serve 10
years in a military prison.
-
Rice Confirmation Hearings
Begin (Jan. 18): Condoleezza Rice, nominee to become
secretary of state, grilled by members of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee about her statements on Iraq's weapons, the
number of Iraqi troops that have been trained, and the timetable for
the withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq. (Jan. 26):
Senate votes, 85–13, to confirms Rice. She's the first black woman
secretary of state.
-
President Bush Begins Second
Term (Jan. 20): George W. Bush was officially sworn in by
Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist. Referring to the war in
Iraq, Bush said, “All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can
know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse
your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty. We will stand with
you.”
Business/Science/Society
-
Train Crash Kills Several in
South Carolina (Jan. 6): Mistake involving a switching
mechanism causes train in Granitesville to crash into parked
railcars, killing ten people and releasing toxic chlorine gas.
-
Heavy Rains Cause Landslides
(Jan. 10): Mudslide in coastal town of La Conchita, Calif.,
kills ten people and destroys 15 homes. More than a dozen others are
missing.
-
Government Changes Dietary
Guidelines (Jan. 12): New Dietary Guidelines for Americans
say that people should exercise at least 30 minutes every day. In
addition, in order to prevent weight gain during adulthood, people
should exercise 60 to 90 minutes a day. Recommendations also suggest
people eat whole-grain food rather than white, refined products.
-
European Spacecraft Lands on
Saturn Moon (Jan. 14): Photos of Titan sent back to Earth
by craft Huygens reveal rocky surface and lakes of what
astronomers think are frozen gases.
-
Largest Passenger Plane
Launched (Jan. 18): The prototype of the Airbus A380 debuts
in France. The plane is seven stories high, is four aisles wide, and
can seat 555 passengers.
-
Cancer Top Killer in U.S. (Jan.
19): Replaces heart disease as No. 1 cause of death for
people ages 85 and under. Number of deaths from both, however, have
fallen.
-
FCC Head Announces Resignation
(Jan. 21): Michael Powell will step down as chairman of the
Federal Communications Commission.
-
Deficit Expected to Continue to
Grow (Jan. 25): The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office
estimates a 2005 deficit of $368 billion, excluding expenses
incurred in Iraq. The White House releases its own estimate—$427
billion, which includes an additional $80 billion for Iraq.
-
Information
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World
-
Nepalese King Fires Government
(Feb. 1):King Gyanendra fires the entire government and
declares a state of emergency. Many of the country's politicians are
placed under house arrest, phone and internet lines were cut, and
the airports were closed. Gyanendra says the government was making
no progress toward elections and had not pursued a peace process
with Maoist rebels. (Feb. 2): King Gyanendra
appoints a new 10-member cabinet.
-
IRA Withdraws from Peace
Process (Feb. 2): Irish Republican Army says it will no
longer participate in peace talks with British government and is
cancelling plans to disarm and end paramilitary actions.
-
Report Criticizes Conduct of
Oil-for-Food Official (Feb. 3): Independent investigation
into UN-run program in Iraq finds that Benon Sevan, who headed the
program, breached UN charter by helping friends secure contracts to
sell Iraqi oil. (Feb. 4): UN suspends Sevan and
Joseph Stephanides, another program official, for their conduct in
awarding contracts.
-
Prime Minister of Georgia Dies
(Feb. 3): Zurab Zhvania, reformist politician, accidentally
killed by carbon monoxide poisoning.
-
Presidential Succession in Togo
Condemned (Feb. 7): Faure Gnassingbe is appointed president
of the West African country Togo following the death of his father,
President Gnassingbe Eyadema. Parliament voted to change the
constitution so that the son could take over from his father. (Feb.
25): Under pressure from neighboring African countries,
Gnassingbe resigns.
-
Abbas and Sharon Declare a
Truce (Feb. 8): In the highest-level summit in four years,
Palestinian president and Israeli prime minister agree to end acts
of violence against each other.
-
Saudis Vote for the First Time
(Feb. 10): Kingdom holds municipal elections for local city
or town officials. Voting is held in Riyadh. Other municipalities
will vote for council members over the next few weeks. Women are not
allowed to vote, and less than a third of eligible voters
registered.
-
North Korea Admits to Having
Nuclear Weapons (Feb. 10): First time country makes
declaration. Also says it will not engage in disarmament talks.
-
Counting Complete in Iraqi
Elections (Feb. 13): Alliance of Shiites, United Iraqi
Alliance, wins 48% of the vote, giving it 140 out of 275 seats in
the national assembly. Alliance of Kurds takes 75 seats, while group
headed by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi poised to garner 40 seats.
-
Former Prime Minister of
Lebanon Killed (Feb. 14): Rafik al-Hariri, and 11 others
die when a car bomb explodes near his motorcade in Beirut. More than
100 are wounded.
-
Israel Ends Demolition of Homes
(Feb. 17): Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz announces troops
will stop destroying homes of Palestinian militants as retribution
for attacks.
-
Suicide Bombers Kill Dozens in
Baghdad (Feb. 18): Five attackers kill nearly 40 people at
religious gatherings for the holy day of Ashura.
-
Israeli Cabinet Approves
Withdrawal from Gaza (Feb. 20): Votes, 17-5, in favor of
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to withdraw troops and settlers
from the Gaza Strip. Cabinet also approves new route for barrier
that cuts into Palestinian-controlled areas in the West Bank.
-
Shiites Nominate Premier (Feb.
22): The United Iraqi Alliance, the group of Shiite
political parties that won the most votes in Iraq's Jan. 30
election, selects Ibrahim al-Jaafari to be the prime minister of
Iraq. The 58-year-old doctor served as Iraq's interim vice-president
of Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.
-
British Soldiers Convicted in
Iraqi Prisoner Abuse (Feb. 23): In what has been called
Britain's Abu Ghraib scandal, two soldiers are found guilty by a
military jury of abusing prisoners. Abuse occurred in May 2003 near
the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
-
Syria Promises Withdrawal from
Lebanon (Feb. 24): Faced with strong international
pressure, Syria announces that it will withdraw the 15,000 troops it
has stationed in Lebanon.
-
Egypt Moves Toward Democratic
Elections (Feb. 26): President Hosni Mubarak proposes that
Parliament amend the constitution to make way for direct multiparty
elections.
-
Syria Captures Hussein Relative
(Feb. 27): Iraqi government takes custody of Sabawi Ibrahim
Hassan, a half brother of Saddam Hussein, and other fugitives.
Hassan is believed to have organized and financed the insurgency in
Iraq.
-
Bomb Kills Dozens in Iraq (Feb.
28): In the deadliest attack by insurgents, suicide bomber
blows up a car in Hilla, killing about 115 people who were seeking
employment with the Iraqi police.
Nation
-
Bush Delivers State of the
Union (Feb. 2): President discusses his proposed reform of
the Social Security system as well as the fight against terrorism
and his commitment to remaining in Iraq until a stable democracy has
been established.
-
Senate Confirms New Attorney
General (Feb. 3): In a tighter vote than anticipated,
Senate approves, 60 to 36, Alberto Gonzales, former counsel and
adviser to President Bush, as the country's first Hispanic attorney
general.
-
Bush Releases Budget Proposal
(Feb. 7): Plan, which would cost $2.57 trillion and aim to
reduce budget deficit, would increase spending on national security
and the military and reduce allocations to education, health care,
agriculture, human services, and transportation.
-
Sept. 11 Report Critical of FAA
(Feb. 9): Previously released report, which was kept
classified, indicates that Federal Aviation Administration had
received warnings before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks about
plans by al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden to hijack airplanes and
conduct suicide bombings.
-
Cost of Medicare Drug Plan
Rises (Feb. 9): Prescription drug benefit, initially
estimated to cost $400 billion over 10 years, now projected to top
$724 billion.
-
Senate Approves Limit on Class
Action Suits (Feb. 10): Votes, 72–26, in favor of measure
that limits states from trying many types of class action suits.
-
Bush Requests Additional Funds
(Feb. 14): Asks Congress for $81.9 billion to cover current
year expenses, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, tsunami
aid, and new benefits for families of troops killed in combat.
-
Missile Defense System Fails
Again (Feb. 14): The latest test of the strategic missile
defense system, or National Missile Defense (NMD), fails when the
intercepting rocket did not fire. The software that tells the rocket
to take off did not function properly.
-
Senate Confirms Homeland
Security Secretary (Feb. 15): Michael Chertoff unanimously
approved to succeed Tom Ridge.
-
Bush Nominates Intelligence
Chief (Feb. 17): Selects John Negroponte, ambassador to
Iraq, as the first director of national intelligence.
-
Task Force Criticizes Education
Law (Feb. 23): Report by bipartisan group of state
legislators says No Child Left Behind Act is unconstitutional and
its requirements thwart school-improvement programs underway in many
states.
-
Federal Judge Rules Against
Bush (Feb. 28): Henry F. Floyd says President Bush has
overstepped his authority by detaining Jose Padilla for almost three
years as an enemy combatant without charging him of a crime. Padilla
was arrested in 2002 and accused of planning to detonate a “dirty
bomb” on American soil.
-
Federal Judge's Family Members
Killed (Feb. 28): Husband and mother of Joan Humphrey
Lefkow shot in her Chicago home.
Business/Science/Society
-
Astronomers Find Hot Spot on
Saturn (Feb. 4): Astronomers positioned on top of the Mauna
Kea volcano in Honolulu, Hawaii, report they have caught a glimpse
of what they believe to be a warm polar vortex on Saturn. It’s the
first such discovery in the solar system.
-
Woman Breaks Circumnavigation
Record (Feb. 7): British sailor Ellen MacArthur completes a
solo circumnavigation in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33
seconds, breaking the world record for sailing around the world
alone.
-
Kyoto Protocol Goes into Effect
(Feb. 16): The international environmental treaty requires
35 industrialized nations to reduce heat-trapping gases such as
carbon dioxide. Developing nations have promised to try to limit
their emissions of such gases. The United States, which emits the
largest amount of heat-trapping gases in the world, refused to sign
the treaty. President Bush has said the treaty would be too
expensive.
-
Professional Hockey Season
Canceled (Feb. 16): As National Hockey League owners and
players fail to reach a deal on salary cap for players, Commissioner
Gary Bettman formally cancels the season.
-
Panel Advises FDA on
Painkillers (Feb. 18): Experts vote to tell the Food and
Drug Administration to allow Celebrex, Bextra, and Vioxx to say on
the market . Group also recommends that the FDA put warning labels
on the drugs that indicate they can cause health problems and ban
ads for the drugs.
-
Earthquake Kills Hundreds in
Iran (Feb. 22): More than 500 people die and about 40
villages destroyed in central part of the country.
Information
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World
-
Leftist Government Assumes
Power in Uruguay (March 1): Tabaré Vázquez,a Socialist,
sworn in as president. Inauguration marks the first time in the
country's history the left is in control.
-
Members of Iraqi Tribunal
Assassinated (March 1): A judge and his son, a lawyer, who
were both part of a special tribunal that will try Saddam Hussein,
are shot and killed in Baghdad.
-
UN Troops Battle Congo Militia
(March 1): More than 50 militiamen who have terrorized
northeastern Congo and nine UN soldiers are killed.
-
Indonesian Cleric Acquitted
(March 3): Court finds Abu Bakar Bashir not guilty of
terrorism charges in the bombings of Jakarta's Marriott Hotel in
2003 and a Bali nightclub in 2002. He was convicted of a lesser
charge.
-
Saudi Arabia Demands Syrian
Withdrawal from Lebanon (March 3): Crown Prince Abdullah
advises Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to withdraw troops from
Lebanon and tells him Arab League does not support Syria.
-
Syria Announces Pullback from
Lebanon (March 5): President Bashar al-Assad tells
Parliament that he will gradually order troops back toward Syrian
border. Syrian officials later say troops would eventually be moved
to Syrian territory. Citing UN mandate, international community had
demanded immediate withdrawal from Lebanon. (March 12):
Assad confirms withdrawal to within Syrian borders.
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