2005 World History Mahmoud Abbas (1935– ) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (1956– ) Angela Merkel (1954– ) Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (1938– ) 2005 Worldwide aid pours in to help the 11 Asian countries devastated by the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami(Jan.). Mahmoud Abbaswins presidency of the Palestinian Authorityin a landslide(Jan. 9). The Sudanesegovernment and rebels from southern Sudan sign a peace agreement to end a 20-year conflict that has claimed about 2 million people(Jan. 9). George W. Bushis officially sworn in for his second term as president(Jan. 20). Iraqi elections to select a 275-seat National Assembly take place despite threats of violence. A total of 8.5 million people voted, representing about 58% of those Iraqis eligible to vote(Jan. 30).In State of the Union address, President Bush announces his plan to reform Social Security; despite months of campaigning, his plan receives only a lukewarm reception(Feb. 2).Saudis (men only) are allowed to vote for the first time in municipal elections(Feb. 10).Former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri> a nationalist who had called for Syria'swithdrawal from Lebanon—is assassinated(Feb. 14). The Terry Schiavocase becomes the focus of an emotionally charged battle in Congress(March 20).Schiavo dies 13 days after a federal judge refuses to order the reinsertion of her feeding tube(March 31). Pope John Paul IIdies(April 2).Violent protests follow March elections in Kyrgyzstan,which international monitors deem severely flawed. President Askar Akayevflees the country and then resigns(April 4). Benedict XVIbecomes the next pope(April 24).The Syrianmilitary, stationed in Lebanonfor 29 years, withdraws(April 26). Tony Blairbecomes first Labour Party prime minister to win three successive terms, but his party loses a large number of seats in the elections(May 5).South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-sukannounces that he has devised a new procedure to successfully produce human stem cell lines from a cloned human embryo(May 20),but claim is discredited in Dec. 2005. The European Union abandons plans to ratify the proposed European constitution by 2006 after both France and the Netherlands vote against it(June 16).Former Tehran mayor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hard-line conservative, wins Iran's presidential election with 62% of the vote. He defiantly pursues Iran's nuclear ambitions over the course of his first year(June 24).Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connorannounces her retirement(July 1). NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft hits comet Tempel 1in effort to research primordial remnants of our solar system(July 4). Londonhit by Islamic terrorist bombings, killing 52 and wounding about 700. It is Britain's worst attack since World War II(July 7). Group of Eightindustrial nations pledge to double aid to Africa to $50 billion a year by 2010, cancel the debt of many poor countries, and open trade.(July 8).Federal appeals court upholds lower court decision that so-called Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act is unlawful because it fails to make an exception to the law for women whose health would be in jeopardy without the late-term procedure(July 8).Pentagon assessment finds Iraq'spolice force is, at best, “partially capable” of fighting the country's insurgency. The U.S.'s eventual withdrawal plan hinges upon Iraqi security forces replacing U.S. soldiers: “As Iraqis stand up, Americans will stand down,” President Bush had stated(July 20).The Irish Republican Army announces it is officially ending its violent campaign for a united Ireland and will instead pursue its goals politically(July 27). President Bushsigns the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which will remove trade barriers between the U.S. and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua(Aug. 2).The Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) sign a peace accordto end their nearly 30-year-long civil war(Aug. 15). Israelbegins evacuating about 8,000 Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip, which has been occupied by Israel for the last 38 years(Aug. 15). Hurricane Katrinawreaks catastrophic damage on the Gulf Coast; more than 1,000 die and millions are left homeless. Americans are shaken not simply by the magnitude of the disaster but by how ill-prepared all levels of government were in its aftermath.(Aug. 25–30).Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist,who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 33 years, dies(Sept. 3). John Roberts, Jr.,becomes 17th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court(Sept. 22).Another major hurricane, Rita, ravages the Gulf Coast(Sept. 23).House majority leader Tom DeLayis accused of conspiring to violate Texas's election laws. He steps aside from his House leadership position(Sept. 28).A 7.6 earthquake centered in the Pakistani-controlled part of the Kashmir region kills more than 80,000 and leaves an estimated 4 million homeless(Oct. 2). President Bushselects Harriet Miers,White House counsel, to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor(Oct. 3).

2004 World History Viktor Yushchenko (1954– ) 2004 Former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow pleads guilty to defrauding Enron(Jan. 13).Bush proposes ambitious space program that includes flights to the Moon, Mars, and beyond(Jan. 14).Iraq weapons investigator David Kayresigns, 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).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'snuclear program, admits he sold nuclear-weapons designs to other countries, including North Korea, Iran, and Libya(Feb. 4).Armed rebels in Haiti force President Aristideto resign and flee the country(Feb. 29). John Kerrysecures Democratic nomination after winning nine out of ten primaries and caucuses(March 2). Spainis rocked by terrorist attacks, killing more than 200. Al-Qaedatakes 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 Organizationformally admits seven new countries: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia(March 29).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).Israeli prime minister Sharonannounces 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). Gay marriagesbegin in Massachusetts, the first state in the country to legalize such unions(May 17). Sudanrebels (SPLA) and government reach accord to end 21-year civil war. However, separate war in western Darfurregion between Arab militias and black Africans continues unabated(May 26).U.S. hands over power to Iraqi interim government; Iyad Allawibecomes prime minister(June 28).InRasulv.Bush,Supreme Court rules that “enemy combatants” held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, are legally entitled to file petitions for writs of habeas corpus; and inHamdiv.Rumsfeld,court rules that the detention of a U.S. citizen held as an enemy combatant is invalid, rejecting government's claim that the executive branch has unreviewable authority in time of war(June 28).Israeli Supreme Court orders removal of part of security barrier dividing Israeli and Palestinian lands(June 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 Kerryfor president(July 26–29).Security Council demands Sudanese government disarm militias in Darfur that are massacring civilians(July 30). Florida hit by hurricanesBonnie(Aug. 12)and Charley(Aug. 13). Summer Olympicstake place in Athens, Greece(Aug. 13–29). Venezuelanpresident Hugo Chavezsurvives 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 renominates President Bush(Aug. 30–Sept. 2). Chechen terroriststake about 1,200 schoolchildren and others hostage in Beslan, Russia; 340 people die when militants detonate explosives(Sept. 1–3). Hurricane Ivan ravages U.S. south(Sept. 15).U.S.’s final report on Iraq’s weapons finds no WMDs(Sept. 16). UN Atomic Energy Agencytells Iran to stop enriching uranium; a nascent nuclear weapons program suspected(Sept. 18).Bush eases trade restrictions on Libya(Sept. 20).Congress extends tax cuts due to expire at the end of 2005(Sept. 23). Hurricane Jeannehits Florida(Sept. 26).380 tons of explosives reported missing in Iraq(Oct. 25). Bushreelected president(Nov. 2).U.S. troops launch attack on Falluja, stronghold of the Iraqi insurgency(Nov. 8). Yasir Arafatdies in Paris(Nov. 11). Ukrainepresidential election declared fraudulent(Nov. 21).Red Cross alleges abuse at U.S.-run Guantánamo prison(Nov. 30). Hamid Karzaiinaugurated 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'slead to a new Ukrainian election; Yushchenko eventually declared prime minister(Dec. 26).Enormous tsunamidevastates Asia; at least 225,000 killed(Dec. 26).

2003 World History George W. Bush (1946– ) Saddam Hussein (1937– ) INA/Reuters/Archive Photos Donald H. Rumsfeld (1932– ) Paul Martin (1938– ) 2003 North Koreawithdraws from treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons(Jan. 10).Illinois governor George Ryancommutes 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 Sharonelected Israeli prime minister(Jan. 29). Space shuttle Columbiaexplodes, 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 Powellpresents 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 Bremerbecomes civil administrator of occupied Iraq(May 12).Terrorists strike in Saudi Arabia,killing 34 at Western compound; al-Qaedasuspected(May 12). Bushsigns ten-year, $350-billion tax-cut package, the third-largest tax cut in U.S. history(May 28).Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyiagain placed under house arrest by military regime(May 30).Eric Rudolph, Olympic bombing suspect, arrested(May 31).International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discovers Iran'sconcealed nuclear activities and calls for intensified inspections(June 18).The U.S. Supreme Court decisively upholds the use of affirmative actionin higher education(June 23).Palestinian militant groups announce cease-fire toward Israel(June 29).Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeldannounces 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 sonskilled 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 Taylorforced to leave civil war–ravaged country(Aug. 11).NATO assumes control of peacekeeping force in Afghanistan(Aug. 11). Libyaaccepts 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 Columbiacites egregious organizational problems at NASA(Aug. 25).Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbasresigns; “road map” to peace effectively collapses(Sept. 6).California governor Gray Davis ousted in recall vote; actor Arnold Schwarzeneggerelected 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 Qureitakes office(Nov. 12).Alabama chief justice Roy S. Mooreforced 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 Shevardnadzeresigns after weeks of protests(Nov. 23).

2002 World History Jacques Chirac (1932–) Tony Blair (1953–) Hugo Chavez (1954–) Hu Jintao (1942–) Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva (1945–) 2002 The euro currency debuts in 12 European countries(Jan. 2).U.S. takes Talibanand al-Qaedaprisoners to GuantanamoBay(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 IIof England marks 50 years as monarch(Feb 6).The trial of Slobodan Milosevicon charges of crimes against humanity opens at The Hague(Feb. 12).American Taliban soldier John Walker Lindhcharged with supporting terrorism(Feb. 13).Reporter Pearl confirmed dead in Pakistan(Feb. 21).Angolan UNITA rebel leader Jonas Savimbikilled 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 Leaguesummit(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 Sharoncalls 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 Chavezousted 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 Timorbecomes 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).Terrorist bomb in Balikills hundreds(Oct. 12).Government suspended in Northern Irelandin 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 Zeminofficially retires as general secretary; Hu Jintaonamed 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 Lottsteps down as Republican leader after furor over pro-segregationist remark(Dec. 20).Sen. Bill Frist unanimously elected Republican leader of the Senate(Dec. 23).

2001 World History Yasir Arafat (1929–2004) Ariel Sharon (1928– ) Mohammad Khatami (1943–) World Trade Center Hamid Karzai (1957– ) 2001 Congo president Laurent Kabilaassassinated by bodyguard(Jan. 16).In final days of presidency, Bill Clintonissues controversial pardons, including one for Marc Rich, billionaire fugitive financier(Jan. 20). George W. Bushis sworn in as 43rd president(Jan. 20).Earthquake kills thousands in India (Jan. 26et seq.). Libyan convicted in Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland(Jan. 31).Right-winger Ariel Sharonwins election in Israel(Feb. 6).U.S. submarineGreenevillesinks 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 15et 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 2et seq.). Race riots in Cincinnati continue for several days following a shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer (April 7et seq.). U.S. millionaire Dennis Titobecomes 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 McVeighexecuted(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 Centerand 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 Ladenand the al-Qaeda terrorist network are identified as the parties behind the attacks(Sept. 11). Anthraxscare rivets nation, as anthrax-laced letters are sent to various media and government officials. Several die after handling the letters (October 5et seq.). In response to Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, U.S. and British forces launch bombing campaign against Talibangovernment and al-Qaeda terrorist camps in Afghanistan. Bombings continue on a daily basis (Oct. 7et seq.). Irish Republican Armyannounces 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 Arafatfollowing mounting violence against Israelis. The Israeli Army begins bombing Palestinian areas (Dec. 4et 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).