2003 in History

Scores the only goal as Arsenal defeat Southampton to retain the FA Cup.

Winner of the Oscar for best actor, for "The Pianist"

Winner of the Oscar for best actress, for "The Hours"

Bill Skate serves as acting Governor-General after Silas Atopare

India and Pakistan agree to restore direct air links and overflight rights as relations improve.

Tehran agrees to suspend its uranium enrichment programmememememe and allow tougher UN inspections of its nuclear facilities

UN trucks filled with lentils & sugar enter north Iraq from Turkey

Bush says that AIDS is "the deadliest enemy Africa has ever faced" and pledged to the nation with the worlds highest AIDS infection rate that it would have a strong partner in his administration in fighting the disease

Supervises the start of destruction of Iraq's Al Samoud 2 missiles.

Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

Meets Bush and Sharon and commits to ending armed attacks.

Meets Sharon and Abbas to launch Road Map commitments.

Iran makes an offer of negotiation with the US that covers nuclear matters and Irans support for Palestinian groups resisting Israeli occupation, the offer is spurned by the Bush administration

Arrested by US forces, officials characterize him as a member of what they called "Saddams Dirty Dozen", responsible for torture and murder in Iraq

Arrested by US forces, officials characterize him as a member of what they called "Saddams Dirty Dozen", responsible for torture and murder in Iraq

Gives himself up to police over allegations of child abuse

Morgan Tsvangirai is arrested twice, amid a week of opposition protests, he is charged with treason, adding to an existing treason charge from 2002 over an alleged plot to kill President Mugabe

Saddam Hussein is captured by US soldiers in a 6ft by 8ft hole

Saddam Hussein is captured by US soldiers in a 6ft by 8ft hole

Operation Red Dawn was launched after gaining actionable intelligence identifying two likely locations of Saddams whereabouts codenamed Objective Wolverine 1 and Wolverine 2, near the town of ad-Dawr.

Saddam Hussein was captured by the US Armys 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121 during Operation Red Dawn.

The First Brigade Combat team of the 4th ID, in addition to Special Forces from Task Force 121 were assigned the mission to capture or kill Saddam Hussein.

Found hiding in a spider hole during Operation Red Dawn & captured

Participates as ten accession countries sign their treaties during the Greek Presidency.

Hosts an informal European Council during the Greek Presidency as leaders discuss the future of Europe.

Attends the Peace Summit in Northern Ireland, fails to secure a breakthrough

The invasion is preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

America begins the war with air strikes on Baghdad

The invasion is preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

America begins the war with air strikes on Baghdad

Rantissi is responsible for directing the Hamas-led attack in which four Israeli soldiers are killed at the Erez Checkpoint in the Gaza Strip

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

In his 2003 address to the nation, Bush demands that Hussein and his two sons, Uday and Qusay, surrender and leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

Commands British armoured forces assembled in Kuwait.

BBC Radio 4 "Today" says the Government "sexed up" the dossier of Iraqs weapons

Bush addresses the nation, he demands that Hussein and his two sons Uday and Qusay leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline

A bin Laden broadcast by al-Jazeera says, "we will fight for our brothers in Iraq"

The Iraqi military is defeated & Baghdad falls. Most of the Iraqi military is quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on April 9th. Bush declares the end of major combat operations, terminating the Baath Party's rule and removing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from office

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge

Kurdish forces opposed to Saddam Hussein had already occupied for years an autonomous area in northern Iraq & with the assistance of US. Special Forces and air strikes, are able to rout the Iraqi units near them and to occupy oil-rich Kirkuk

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th.

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge.

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

Kurdish forces opposed to Saddam Hussein had already occupied for years an autonomous area in northern Iraq & with the assistance of US. Special Forces and air strikes, are able to rout the Iraqi units near them and to occupy oil-rich Kirkuk

US forces take control of Tikrit, the last major outpost in central Iraq, with an attack led by the Marines Task Force Tripoli

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

US forces take control of Tikrit, the last major outpost in central Iraq, with an attack led by the Marines Task Force Tripoli

Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance

His centenary renews public interest in Orwell's life and writing.

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

Wins the Champions League with AC Milan against Juventus.

Sushil Kumar Shinde becomes Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Appointed Chief Prosecutor

Signs a comprehensive free trade agreement with the United States.

US forces mass in Kuwait before the invasion of Iraq.

Oversees the ground advance into Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Directs the invasion plan using major forces assembled in Kuwait.

Colin Powell leads a "fact-finding" mission for co-operation in a war with Iraq

Colin Powell leads a "fact-finding" mission for co-operation in a war with Iraq

In the 2003 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the DUP overtake the UUP to become the largest party in Northern Ireland, achieving thirty seats to the UUPs twenty-seven

Serves as the first Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from March to October

Says he would like the Parliamentary system to be replaced by a presidential system

Celebrations all over Turkey mark the 83rd anniversary of the foundation of Parliament

A two-day referendum approves extensive revisions to the Constitution.

Wins a High Court Injunction banning publication of photos of royal apartments

Invested as a Dame Commander of the British Empire

Makes senior international debut aged 17, becoming the youngest player to represent England

Blair wins Parliamentary vote over Iraq war but 139 party members defy him

An article published in the Guardian alleged that Richard Perle, a senior member of the administrations Defence Policy Board Advisery Committee, conceded that the invasion was illegal but still justified

At least 1 million demonstrate against the war in Iraq

Nationwide demonstrations against war in Iraq

Anti-war protests are held, the largest of their kind since the Vietnam War took place with 6-10 million people in over 60 countries around the world

3,000 Greek & Turkish Cypriots cross the internal divide for the 1st time in 30 yrs

The day Bush issues his 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq before the US invasion of Iraq, Obama addresses the largest Chicago anti War rally to date in Daley Plaza and tells the crowd that "its not too late" to stop the war

Turkey expels 3 Iraqi diplomats

Schwimmer says Turkeys reform plans should be sufficient for EU membership

Schwimmer says Turkeys reform plans should be sufficient for EU membership

The National Assembly votes to dismiss Home Affairs Minister Kim Doo Kwan

Giscard dEstang presented the Convention's draft constitutional treaty to European leaders.

United Nations and Cambodia sign agreement to establish the ECCC

Chad begins pumping oil to Cameroon, part of a project to help alleviate crushing poverty in the two countries

The Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75%, lowest for 50 yrs

The FTSE-100 slumps to an 8 yr low

Finance minister Brown rules out British adoption of the EU euro, dashing Blair hopes of placing Britain "at the heart of the European Union"

Finance minister Brown rules out British adoption of the EU euro, dashing Blair hopes of placing Britain "at the heart of the European Union"

The International Monetary Fund agrees a $18 billion loan package

The International Monetary Fund releases $701 million in loans to Turkey

The Greek-Cypriot Government will lift its trade embargo on the Turkish-Cypriots

Wins the presidential election ahead of Julio Cesar Franco Pedro Fadul and Guillermo Sanchez.

In the 2003 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the DUP overtake the UUP to become the largest party in Northern Ireland, achieving thirty seats to the UUPs twenty-seven

Elections in Israel give wide margin (40 seats) to right wing Likud party, returning PM Ariel Sharon for another term

The Likuud Party wins 38 of the 120 seats, the most of all the parties

The Third David Oddsson Government ends, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Iceland.

Erdogan says Turkey is the best country to rebuild Iraq

Brown concludes that Britain should not adopt the euro because the economic tests are unmet.

The Treasury publishes detailed evidence supporting the decision against immediate euro entry.

Hosts the opening of the intergovernmental conference negotiating a constitutional treaty for Europe.

Represents Germany as the intergovernmental conference opens negotiations on a constitutional treaty for Europe.

Vidal-Madjar leads Hubble observations showing hydrogen escaping from HD 209458b in an extended comet-like atmosphere.

Saddam Hussein's government collapses as coalition forces enter Baghdad during the invasion of Iraq.

Reports again to the Security Council on Iraqi cooperation.

Gives his final Security Council briefing as UNMOVIC chairman.

Scores a spectacular long-range goal against Sevilla on his league debut at Camp Nou.

Guides Milan to victory over Juventus in the competition's first all-Italian final.

Begins an international career known for creative wing play.

Begins an international career that produces unprecedented appearance records.

Appointed Foreign Minister

Leonidas Rosa Bautista is named Foreign Minister

Appointed Foreign Minister

Begins the Fourth David Oddsson Government and serves as Prime Minister of Iceland.

Papandreou steers foreign-policy work during the 2003 Greek Presidency, including enlargement and Western Balkan priorities.

Begins Greece's fourth rotating Council Presidency with enlargement and Balkan integration among its priorities.

The French Foreign Miniser states the benefits of allowing Turkey into the EU. The French Foreign Miniser praises Turkeys moderation & restraint during the war

The French Foreign Miniser states the benefits of allowing Turkey into the EU

The French Foreign Miniser states the benefits of allowing Turkey into the EU

Brown monitors financial conditions as the FTSE 100 falls to an eight-year low.

NASA releases a highly sensitive ultraviolet mosaic of M31 from GALEX, tracing young hot stars and recent star formation across its disk.

Routine Galileo flight-team operations end after the final playback of stored scientific data, months before the spacecraft's planned Jupiter impact.

Galileo is deliberately sent into Jupiter to prevent possible contamination of Europa.

Sanchez de Lozada resigns after deadly protests over natural-gas policy.

Directs Good Bye, Lenin!, a major post-reunification German film.

Serves as a vice-president representing the former government component of the transition.

The government led by Anneli Jäätteenmäki ends in Helsinki, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Finland.

His government ends in Helsinki, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Finland.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, declares that "Iran failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities" and requests "co-operative actions" from the country

A report suggests Blair overrode security concerns invasion could increase terrorism

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Sudarshan Agarwal becomes Governor of Uttaranchal.

Appointed Governor of Shandong, acting

Coordinates land and air operations entering southern Iraq.

Directs the ground component during the opening invasion.

K. Kasturirangan oversees GSLV-D2, which places the experimental GSAT-2 spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

Yassin further promised that Hamas would teach Israel an "unforgettable lesson" as a result of the assassination attempt. An Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-16 fired several missiles on a building in Gaza City, the Gaza Strip, Yassin was in the building at the time but survived

Blair given electric shocks to regulate heart palpitations in the first health scare of his premiership

Suffers a pulmonary embolism while abroad and his public appearances become limited.

Heath suffers a pulmonary embolism, while on holiday in Salzburg, Austria

Bush says that AIDS is "the deadliest enemy Africa has ever faced" and pledged to the nation with the worlds highest AIDS infection rate that it would have a strong partner in his administration in fighting the disease

At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals

Appointed High Commissioners for Human Rights for the United Nations

Huh Sung Kwan is appointed Home Secretary

Releases How the West Was Won, drawn from 1972 live recordings.

Commands I MEF as it crosses into southern Iraq.

Commands I MEF as units cross the border.

The ICTY Trial Chamber convicts the first commander of the Sarajevo-Romanija Corps, Stanislav Galic, of the shelling and sniper terror campaign against Sarajevo, including the first Markale massacre

Vajpayee and Chinese leaders issue a declaration outlining principles for improved India-China relations.

India and China agree to appoint Special Representatives to pursue a political framework for resolving the boundary question.

Mahmoud Abbas becomes Palestinian Prime Minister amid pressure for reform during the uprising

Tony Blair announces an Inquiry will be held into the suicide of David Kelly

Tony Blair gives evidence to the Hutton Inquiry. The Hutton inquiry begins, the Iraq war is kept in the spotlight

Notes improved access while outstanding disarmament issues remain.

Withdraws UNMOVIC personnel from Iraq before the invasion.

Scores Boca Juniors' equaliser against Milan before the Argentine club win the Intercontinental Cup on penalties.

Saves penalties from Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Costacurta as Boca Juniors defeat Milan in the shootout.

The Bank of England reduces its policy rate to 3.75 percent.

The Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75%, lowest for 50 yrs

Washington says Iran is not complying with non-proliferation accords but agrees to support proposal from Britain, France and Germany to give Iran until end of October fully to disclose nuclear activities and allow surprise inspections

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, declares that "Iran failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities" and requests "co-operative actions" from the country

The IAEA declares that Iran has submitted a "comprehensive" declaration of its nuclear program

The IAEA declares that there is no evidence that Iran is attempting to build an nuclear atomic bomb

Reports Iraq has yet to demonstrate a "genuine acceptance" of United Nations weapons inspections

Libya agrees to permit international inspection and dismantlement of prohibited weapons activities.

Coalition ground forces move from Kuwait into southern Iraq.

Unlike the first Gulf War or the war in Afghanistan (2001), this war had no explicit United Nations authorisation

Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook. The UK Parliament held a debate on going to war on March 18, 2003 where the Government motion was approved 412 to 149

According to Blair, the trigger was Iraq's failure to take a "final opportunity" to disarm itself of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that US and British officials called an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace

Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland.

The reasons for the invasion were "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's alleged support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people".

Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance

Travels to Spain, France, Italy & the Azores but fails to secure a United Nations resolution

British troops, in what was codenamed Operation (or Op) TELIC participated in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. A total of 46,000 troops of all the British Services were committed to the operation at its start. Including 5,000 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors and 4,000 Royal Marines, 26,000 British Army soldiers, and 8,100 Royal Air Force

An end of major combat operations is declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Radio 4 "Today" broadcast says the Government "sexed up" the Iraq weapons dossier. BBC Radio 4 "Today" says the Government "sexed up" the dossier of Iraqs weapons

A report suggests Blair overrode security concerns invasion could increase terrorism

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion

Unlike the first Gulf War or the war in Afghanistan (2001), this war had no explicit United Nations authorisation. In his 2003 address to the nation, Bush demands that Hussein and his two sons, Uday and Qusay, surrender and leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

The invasion is preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland.

The US launches the invasion of Iraq, termed "Operation Iraqi Freedom". The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Italy and Poland supply the vast majority of the invading forces, in co-operation with Kurdish forces.

The invasion of Iraq was strongly opposed by some traditional US allies, including the Governments of France, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada.

The reasons for the invasion were "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's alleged support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people".

The main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is airdropped near the northern city of Kirkuk where they joined forces with Kurdish rebels and fought several actions against the Iraqi army to secure the northern part of the country

Bush declares the end of major combat operations, terminating the Baath Party's rule and removing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from office

Most of the Iraqi military is quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on April 9th

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

US forces take control of Tikrit, the last major outpost in central Iraq, with an attack led by the Marines Task Force Tripoli

US-led Coalition troops promptly began searching for the key members of Saddam Husseins Government identified by a variety of means, most famously through sets of most-wanted Iraqi playing cards. Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

An end of major combat operations is declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period

During a raid by the US 101st Airborne Division and men from Task Force 20, Saddam Husseins sons Uday and Qusay, and one of his grandsons were killed in a massive fire-fight

UNMOVIC "did not find evidence of the continuation or resumption of programs of weapons of mass destruction" or significant quantities of proscribed items.

As of February 2003, the IAEA "found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq".

the IAEA concluded that certain items which could have been used in nuclear enrichment centrifuges, such as aluminum tubes, were in fact intended for other uses.

Saddam Hussein was captured by the US Armys 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121 during Operation Red Dawn

US-led Coalition troops promptly began searching for the key members of Saddam Husseins Government identified by a variety of means, most famously through sets of most-wanted Iraqi playing cards. US General Tommy Franks assumed control of Iraq as the supreme commander of the coalition occupation forces

Franks commands United States Central Command during the opening invasion of Iraq.

Most of the Iraqi military is quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on April 9th

Kurdish forces opposed to Saddam Hussein had already occupied for years an autonomous area in northern Iraq & with the assistance of US. Special Forces and air strikes, are able to rout the Iraqi units near them and to occupy oil-rich Kirkuk

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

An end of major combat operations is declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period

During a raid by the US 101st Airborne Division and men from Task Force 20, Saddam Husseins sons Uday and Qusay, and one of his grandsons were killed in a massive fire-fight

The day Bush issues his 48-hour ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq before the US invasion of Iraq, Obama addresses the largest Chicago anti War rally to date in Daley Plaza and tells the crowd that "its not too late" to stop the war

An article published in the Guardian alleged that Richard Perle, a senior member of the administrations Defence Policy Board Advisery Committee, conceded that the invasion was illegal but still justified

His presentation to the United Nations Security Council contained a computer-generated image of a "mobile biological weapons laboratory.."

However, this information was based on claims of Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi, codenamed "Curveball", an Iraqi emigrant living in Germany who later admitted that his claims had been false.

On 5 February 2003, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing U.S. efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion.

Fails to gain support from United Nations Security Council members France, Germany & Russia

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion. Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion. Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

Visits Iran and presses for greater transparency, early design information and consideration of an Additional Protocol.

Says important Iraqi disarmament questions remain unresolved.

Kuwaiti bases become central staging areas for coalition ground forces.

Directs coalition operations launched from bases in Kuwait.

Addresses one of Britain's largest anti-war demonstrations.

Wins Commons backing for military action in Iraq.

The Coalition Provisional Authority voted to create the Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST), consisting of five Iraqi judges, on 9 December 2003, to try Saddam Hussein and his aides for charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide

Begins Italy's rotating Council Presidency with treaty reform and enlargement among its priorities.

Janata Dal (United) is from mainly Bihar and Karnataka is led by Ntish Kumar & reconstituted by the merger of the Janata Dal (United) with the Samata Party

Reviews access, interviews and unresolved disarmament questions.

Begins three Knebworth concerts that draw a record-breaking audience across the weekend.

Mick Jagger is knighted

Tells the US forces that the Kurds will not claim the oil rich city of Kirkuk

Tells the US forces that the Kurds will not claim the oil rich city of Mosul

Observers are sent into Iraq to review Turkeys intervention if Kurds stay in Kirkuk

Brown urges Labour to remain bold, united and rooted in its political identity.

At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals

Commands coalition land forces preparing in Kuwait.

Appointed Leader of the House of Commons

Speculation grows that Blair may eventually support Brown as his successor.

Appears in archive performances on the Led Zeppelin DVD release.

Libya informs the IAEA that it had pursued a clandestine nuclear weapons acquisition programme and requests verification.

India and Pakistan begin a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Is appointed Liverpool captain by manager Gerard Houllier.

Libya accepts responsibility for officials' actions in the Lockerbie bombing and agrees compensation.

Bush meets Abbas and Sharon at Aqaba to promote the Road Map peace initiative

Sharon meets Abbas during the Aqaba summit as the Road Map process begins

Captains Milan to European victory seventeen years after his father had lifted the trophy.

Named manager of Brazil along with Mario Zagallo as assistant director in January 2003, with the goal of defending their World Cup titlte in Germany 2006.

Appointed manager of Leeds United

Signs for Manchester United after impressing against the English club.

Reports accelerated Iraqi initiatives but continuing unresolved disarmament questions.

Leads Marine forces assembling in Kuwait for the invasion.

Prepares Marine formations in Kuwait for operations in southern Iraq.

Appointed Mayor of Beijing

Awarded the Congressional Medal & receives a standing ovation from Congress

Putin meets Blair & disagrees with the coalitions reasons for going to war with Iraq

Putin meets Blair & disagrees with the coalitions reasons for going to war with Iraq

Kharrazi meets Turkish officials to discuss the war & the Kurdish enclave in Iraq

Kharrazi meets Turkish officials to discuss the war & the Kurdish enclave in Iraq

President Bush meets with President Festus Mogae in Botswana

Metallicas eighth full-length recording, St. Anger, debuts at number one on the album charts

Adds Europe's leading club trophy to his honours.

Bhutto becomes a member of Minhaj ul Quran International (An international Muslim educational and welfare organisation)

Bhutto becomes a member of Minhaj ul Quran International (An international Muslim educational and welfare organisation)

Appointed Minister of Economics

Appointed Minister of Finance

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi names a new cabinet, including Sadakazu Tanigaki as finance minister and Taro Aso as home affairs minister

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi names a new cabinet, including Sadakazu Tanigaki as finance minister and Taro Aso as home affairs minister

Ali Ahmad Jalali is appointed Minister of Interior in the Transitional Administration.

UNMOVIC identifies the missile system as exceeding the permitted range.

Police arrest opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai during a week of protests.

Becomes the first Portuguese player to represent Manchester United.

The National Assembly votes to dismiss Home Affairs Minister Kim Doo Kwan

Is re-elected chairman of the National Defence Commission.

Turkey rejects Americas plan to base 62,000 troops in its country

Turkey rejects Americas plan to base 62,000 troops in its country

Gul denies $1 billion aid from the US is to keep Turkey out of the war

Gul says Turkey has agreed with the US to provide a postwar peacekeeping force

The redeveloped Bullring opens with new retail streets and the Selfridges building.

Shares the Nobel Prize for theories explaining superconductors and superfluids.

Shares the Nobel Prize for pioneering contributions to superconductivity theory.

North Korea announces withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty during a renewed nuclear crisis.

The UNs International Atomic Energy Agency conducts a series of inspections in Iran, Iran confirms that there are sites at Natanz and Arak under construction, but insists that these, like Bushehr, are designed solely to provide fuel

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Washington says Iran is not complying with non-proliferation accords but agrees to support proposal from Britain, France and Germany to give Iran until end of October fully to disclose nuclear activities and allow surprise inspections

As agreed in the Paris Agreement, Iran voluntarily signs and implements the Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Libya discloses uranium-enrichment equipment acquired through an international procurement network.

The Russian Parliament ratifies the Offensive Reduction Treaty

Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland

The US launches the invasion of Iraq, termed "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland

Kuwait serves as a principal staging base for the invasion.

James Hickey of the 4th Infantry Division, with joint operations Task Force 121 with an elite and covert joint special operations team.

Operation Red Dawn was an American military operation conducted on 13 December 2003 in the town of ad-Dawr, Iraq, near Tikrit, that led to the capture of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was captured by the US Army's 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121 during Operation Red Dawn.

The mission was assigned to the first Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno and led by Col.

British troops, in what was codenamed Operation (or Op) TELIC participated in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

Prepares the division for operations around Basra.

Sate opening of Parliament

Appointed Party Leader of the Conservative Party

Becomes Leader of the Conservative Party after Iain Duncan Smith is removed.

Israel & Palestine are handed a "road map" to peace in the Middle East

Poland votes in a referendum to join the EU

Joins the transitional executive as vice-president representing the unarmed political opposition.

Appointed High Commissioners for Human Rights for the United Nations

Makes his senior Portugal debut during a friendly against Bolivia.

Makes his senior Portugal debut in a friendly against Kazakhstan.

Leads FC Porto to victory over Uniao de Leiria in the Portuguese Cup final.

Adds the Portuguese Super Cup to Porto's honours after the club's successful 2002-03 campaign.

Wins the Premier League with Manchester United and finishes the season as the league's leading scorer.

Than Shwe gives the prime ministership to Khin Nyunt

Tasmagambetov leaves office as Prime Minister

Borislav Paravac becomes Serb member of the Presidency after Sarovic leaves office

Appointed President of Argentina

Mesa Gisbert assumes the presidency after Sanchez de Lozada resigns.

Appointed President of Brazil, 1st term

Becomes President of the Czech Republic.

Takes office as president and continues Colorado Party control of the presidency.

Wins the election and keeps the Colorado Party in office.

Takes office as Prime Minister of Finland and forms a government in Helsinki.

Takes office as Prime Minister of Finland and forms a government in Helsinki.

Appointed Prime Minister of Bosnia & Hercegovinia

Appointed Prime Minister of Estonia

Gyanendra appoints royalist Surya Bahadur Thapa as Prime Minister

Serves as the first Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from March to October

Appointed Prime Minister of Adygeya

President Bashar al-Assad accepts the resignation of Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Meros cabinet and appoints Muhammad Naji al-Otari as new Prime Minister

President Bashar al-Assad accepts the resignation of Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Meros cabinet and appoints Muhammad Naji al-Otari as new Prime Minister

President Bashar al-Assad accepts the resignation of Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Meros cabinet and appoints Muhammad Naji al-Otari as new Prime Minister

Appointed Prime Minister of Turkey

Daniyal Akhmetov becomes Prime Minister

Khin Nyunt becomes Prime Minister under Than Shwe's military government

"I wish I had never said anything about being a virgin"

Takes a vice-presidential post representing the RCD in the transitional institutions.

Releases Reality and begins what becomes his final major concert tour.

Produces Reality with David Bowie, continuing their renewed early-2000s collaboration.

India formally recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of the People's Republic of China.

Found hiding in a spider hole during Operation Red Dawn & captured

Poland votes in a referendum to join the EU

Poland votes in a referendum to join the EU

The Chechen referendum votes in favour of joining the Russian Federation

Network Rail announces it is taking over track maintenance. At the Labour Party Conference Tony Blair suffers 2 defeats on foundation hospitals

Traffic levels fall 25% on the 1st day of the congestion charge

Faces a Labour rebellion & wins a Commons vote by 32 votes

Kabariti participates in regional diplomacy connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.

The document identifies key remaining Iraqi disarmament tasks.

Gaddafi announces that Libya will eliminate its nuclear and chemical weapons programmes.

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, declares that "Iran failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities" and requests "co-operative actions" from the country

Brown's allies claim new discussions concern the timing of Tony Blair's eventual departure.

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

Gul resigns to allow Erdogan to become Prime Minister

Gul resigns to allow Erdogan to become Prime Minister

The Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, resigns from the Government

The Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, resigns from the Government

Resignation of Alistair Campbell, Tony Blairs adviser for 10 yrs

Claire Short resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq

Resigns over the Governments policy of war in Iraq

Sanchez de Lozada resigns after mass protests over gas exports and state violence

Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook

Chand resigns after months of protests led by political parties demanding the King appoint Government with their nominees or revive Parliament

Abbas resigns as Prime Minister after disputes over authority and security powers

Resigns citing lack of support from Israel and the United States as well as "internal incitement" against his Government

Three Government ministers resigned in protest at the war, John Denham, Lord Hunt of King's Heath, and the then Leader of the House of Commons Robin Cook

Robin Cook resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq

Robin Cook resigns over the Governments policy on war in Iraq

Foreign minister Robin Cook resigns

Resigns from the Cabinet over the war with Iraq

Vilasrao Deshmukh leaves office as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Receives the Quartet Road Map as the first Palestinian Prime Minister.

Helps present the Quartet Road Map for a two-state settlement.

Accepts the Quartet Road Map with reservations.

The Turkish & Greek Prime Minister meet but reject each others proposals

The Greek-Cypriot Government will lift its trade embaro on the Turkish-Cypriots

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge. Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

Discovers S 2003 J9 during a survey that greatly expands the known population of Jupiter's irregular moons.

Swiss magistrates find Bhutto and her husband guilty of money laundering, they are given six-month suspended jail terms, fined $50,000 each and were ordered to pay $11 million to the Pakistani Government

Dr David Kelly meets Andrew Gilligan in the Charing Cross Hotel

Andrew Gilligan says a senior official said the Iraq dossier was "sexed up"

Dr Kellys name is confirmed to a journalist by the MOD

Dr Kellys body is found at Harrowdown Hill

Reveals he shares his bed with young boys during "Living with Michael Jackson"

Appointed Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries

Briefs the Security Council on the developing inspection process.

Explains remaining inspection tasks despite the withdrawal from Iraq.

Parliament adopts the Seventeenth Amendment validating major Musharraf-era constitutional changes.

Appointed shadow minister in the Privy Council Office as deputy to Eric Forth.

Converts Milan's decisive shootout penalty against Juventus at Old Trafford.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

Tells the US forces that the Kurds will not claim the oil rich city of Kirkuk

Observers are sent into Iraq to review Turkeys intervention if Kurds stay in Kirkuk

US forces catch a Turkish special team entering Krkuk

Gul tells the US that Turkish observers will ensure Kurdish fighters leave Kirkuk

Tells the US forces that the Kurds will not claim the oil rich city of Mosul

The ICTY Trial Chamber convicts the first commander of the Sarajevo-Romanija Corps, Stanislav Galic, of the shelling and sniper terror campaign against Sarajevo, including the first Markale massacre

India and China agree to reopen border trade through Sikkim.

Provides the Council's sixty-day update on resumed inspections.

British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons

Tony Blair announces an Inquiry will be held into the suicide of David Kelly. Death of David Kelly, an Iraq weapons inspector who commits suicide

British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons

50 are killed during a suicide bombing of a Government building in Chechnya

Attends the Peace Summit in Northern Ireland, fails to secure a breakthrough

The achievement marks superconductivity theory as an important Russian scientific milestone.

Is re-elected chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium.

Supports a framework bringing Western Balkan countries closer to eventual European integration.

Hosts the European Council that strengthens the Union's commitment to the Western Balkans.

States inspectors found no evidence of resumed prohibited weapons programmes.

Releases Tour de France Soundtracks, the group's first full studio album since Electric Cafe.

Co-creates Tour de France Soundtracks around cycling, endurance and electronic rhythm.

The Greek-Cypriot Government will lift its trade embargo on the Turkish-Cypriots

Promulgates the transitional constitutional framework governing institutions created by the peace settlement.

An inclusive government begins with Kabila and four vice-presidents representing former rivals.

Morgan Tsvangirai is arrested twice, amid a week of opposition protests, he is charged with treason, adding to an existing treason charge from 2002 over an alleged plot to kill President Mugabe

The Treasury publishes its detailed assessment of the five economic tests.

Fenech Adami heads Malta's government as the country concludes its accession treaty with the European Union.

Ahern represents Ireland as the Athens agreement prepares ten candidate countries for Union membership.

Aznar represents Spain as the Union signs accession terms with ten Central European and Mediterranean states.

Balkenende represents the Netherlands in the Union's formal agreement for the ten-state enlargement.

Barroso represents Portugal when the Union signs the treaty admitting ten countries in the following year.

Berlusconi represents Italy when the accession treaty for the ten-state enlargement is concluded.

Blair represents Britain when the Athens treaty completes the accession framework for ten incoming states.

Brazauskas leads Lithuania when the Athens treaty completes the legal framework for Lithuanian accession.

Chirac backs France's participation in the treaty opening the final route to the 2004 enlargement.

Dzurinda heads Slovakia as the accession treaty establishes the final legal basis for Slovak membership.

Juncker represents Luxembourg as the Union concludes the accession agreement with ten candidate countries.

Lipponen represents Finland at the Athens settlement concluding accession negotiations with ten applicants.

Medgyessy leads Hungary at the Athens ceremony establishing the treaty basis for Hungarian membership.

Miller leads Poland as the accession treaty fixes the terms under which Poland will enter the European Union.

Papadopoulos leads Cyprus at the Athens signing that sets the legal terms for Cypriot EU membership.

Parts leads Estonia when the Athens treaty formally sets the terms for Estonian accession.

Persson backs Sweden's participation in the treaty enabling the European Union's major 2004 enlargement.

Rasmussen backs Denmark's approval of the Athens enlargement settlement with the ten candidate states.

Repse heads Latvia's government as the country signs its accession settlement at Athens.

Rop leads Slovenia during the Athens treaty ceremony completing Slovenia's membership negotiations.

Schroder represents Germany as the Union completes the treaty framework for its eastward enlargement.

Schussel backs Austria's participation in the Athens treaty settlement preparing the 2004 expansion.

Simitis hosts the Athens ceremony as Greece holds the Council Presidency during the historic enlargement agreement.

Spidla leads the Czech government at the treaty ceremony setting the country's path to membership in May 2004.

Verhofstadt represents Belgium as the Union signs the Athens treaty admitting ten new member states.

The Nice Treaty becomes legally effective during Ahern's government, preparing Union institutions for enlargement.

The Nice Treaty becomes legally effective during Berlusconi's government, completing institutional reforms designed for enlargement.

Heads the German government when the Treaty of Nice enters into force.

The Russian Parliament ratifies the Offensive Reduction Treaty

Swiss magistrates find Bhutto and her husband guilty of money laundering, they are given six-month suspended jail terms, fined $50,000 each and were ordered to pay $11 million to the Pakistani Government

General Galic is sentenced to life imprisonment for the crimes against humanity during the siege

Resolution 1483 calls upon the states of the United Nations to support actions that facilitate the prosecution of the members of Saddam Husseins regime responsible for crimes and atrocities

Resolution 1483 calls upon the states of the United Nations to support actions that facilitate the prosecution of the members of Saddam Husseins regime responsible for crimes and atrocities

The Coalition Provisional Authority voted to create the Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST), consisting of five Iraqi judges, on 9 December 2003, to try Saddam Hussein and his aides for charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide

Schwimmer says Turkeys reform plans should be sufficient for EU membership

Schwimmer says Turkeys reform plans should be sufficient for EU membership

Schwimmer says Turkeys reform plans should be sufficient for EU membership

Presents UNMOVIC's twelfth quarterly report to the Council.

Scores twice as Arsenal defeat Inter Milan 5-1 in the Champions League at San Siro.

The achievement marks type-ii superconductivity as an important Russian scientific milestone.

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command. Resolution 1483 calls upon the states of the United Nations to support actions that facilitate the prosecution of the members of Saddam Husseins regime responsible for crimes and atrocities

Resolution 1483 calls upon the states of the United Nations to support actions that facilitate the prosecution of the members of Saddam Husseins regime responsible for crimes and atrocities

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Fails to gain support from United Nations Security Council members France, Germany & Russia

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Sees the Council endorse the Quartet Road Map for a two-state solution

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Reports Iraq has yet to demonstrate a "genuine acceptance" of United Nations weapons inspections

Reports Iraq has yet to demonstrate a "genuine acceptance" of United Nations weapons inspections

Blix claims that "If Iraq had provided the necessary cooperation in 1991, the phase of disarmament -- under resolution 687 -- could have been short and a decade of sanctions could have been avoided"

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command. Resolution 1483 calls upon the states of the United Nations to support actions that facilitate the prosecution of the members of Saddam Husseins regime responsible for crimes and atrocities

The Security Council formally lifts sanctions imposed over the Lockerbie dispute.

Inspection operations end one day before armed action begins.

The IAEA presses Iran to suspend uranium work and submit to inspection.

US sends humanitarian aid to Iran after earthquake kills up to 50,000 people in city of Bam

Supports steps toward a bilateral trade agreement with the United States

Bond leads Hubble imaging of expanding light echoes produced when the eruptive star V838 Monocerotis illuminates surrounding dust.

Appointed vice-chairman of the Conservative Party under Michael Howard.

Becomes one of four vice-presidents in the transitional power-sharing government.

Arrives in Britain for a state visit

139 Laboor MPs vote against the war, but the Commons votes 412 to 149 in favour

Hans Blix said in late January 2003 that Iraq had "not genuinely accepted United Nations resolutions demanding that it disarm"

The United Nations weapons inspectors report that they had found no indication that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons or an active program

The threat of potential WMD in Iraq is used by President George W. Bush to generate public support for the invasion of Iraq. Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

As of February 2003, the IAEA "found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq".

the IAEA concluded that certain items which could have been used in nuclear enrichment centrifuges, such as aluminum tubes, were in fact intended for other uses.

The United Nations weapons inspectors report that they had found no indication that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons or an active program

The United Nations weapons inspectors report that they had found no indication that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons or an active program

The United Nations weapons inspectors report that they had found no indication that Iraq possessed nuclear weapons or an active program

Mugabe announces Zimbabwe's withdrawal after the Commonwealth maintains its suspension.

Mugabe withdraws Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth after continued suspension.

Bennett releases first WMAP results that refine the age, composition, and geometry of the universe

Briefs the Security Council on UNMOVIC's draft work programme.

Submits UNMOVIC's draft work programme to the Security Council.

Scores the winning drop goal against Australia in the last minute of extra-time

Breaks the London Marathon world record, 2 hrs 15 mins 25 secs

Becomes Arsenal's youngest first-team player in a League Cup match against Rotherham United.

Becomes Arsenal's youngest goalscorer in a League Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Death of Anita Mui

British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons

Death of David Kelly, an Iraq weapons inspector who commits suicide

Former President Canaan Banana dies after a long illness.

Death of Charles Bronson

British weapons expert David Kelly commits suicide after being identified as the source of a BBC story alleging the Government had "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraqs banned weapons

Death of Gregory Peck

Death of Heydar Aliyev

Death of Idi Amin Dada, in exile in Saudi Arabia

Death of Katharine Hepburn

Death of Leopoldo Galtieri

Death of Leslie Cheung

Death of Mickie Most

Death of Ronald William George Barker

Dies at East Hendred in Oxfordshire after a heart attack

Death of Roy Jenkins

Many Iraqis celebrated the downfall of Saddam by vandalizing the many portraits and.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed.

statues of him together with other pieces of his cult of personality & the dramatic toppling of a large statue of Saddam in Baghdads Fardus Square.

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

Many Iraqis celebrated the downfall of Saddam by vandalizing the many portraits and.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed.

statues of him together with other pieces of his cult of personality & the dramatic toppling of a large statue of Saddam in Baghdads Fardus Square.

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

Kurdish forces opposed to Saddam Hussein had already occupied for years an autonomous area in northern Iraq & with the assistance of US. Special Forces and air strikes, are able to rout the Iraqi units near them and to occupy oil-rich Kirkuk

The 101st Airborne Division on March 29, supported by a battalion from the 1st Armored Division attacked Iraqi forces in the southern part of the city, near the Imam Ali Mosque and captured Najafs airfield

Heavy fighting takes place in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah between Iraqi forces and US Marines over control of key bridges over the Euphrates River and the Saddam Canal

US Marines enter Nasiriyah in force, facing heavy resistance as they move to secure two major bridges in the city. The main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah.

With the Nasiriyah and Talil Airfields secured, Coalition forces gained an important logistical centre in southern Iraq and established FOB/EAF Jalibah, some 10 miles (16 km) outside of Nasiriyah.

Fighting continues in the city until 1st April when Iraqi resistance in the city is finally defeated

The Battle of Umm Qasr is the first military confrontation in the Iraq War, with its objective the capture of the port. Allied forces advanced across Southern Iraq and after an amphibious landing forces captured the new port area of Umm Qasr then spend several more days fighting through the old town of Umm Qasr encountering fierce resistance

The port is declared safe and reopened