2008 in History

Recalled to the England squad by Capello for the friendly against France, Beckham becomes only the fifth Englishman to win 100 caps

Beckham wis honored by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Sir Bobby Charlton, and is given a standing ovation from the crowd

Beckham wis honored by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Sir Bobby Charlton, and is given a standing ovation from the crowd

Defeats John McCain in the general election with 365 electoral votes to McCain's 173 and becomes the first African American to be elected President of the United States

In his victory speech, delivered before a crowd of hundreds of thousands of his supporters in Chicago's Grant Park, Obama proclaimed that "change has come to America"

Withdraws after the Iowa caucuses.

A Government spokesman says that South Africa has waived Cuban debt totaling more than 100 million dollars

A meeting between al-Malki and former US President George Bush is disrupted when Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al Zaidi threw his shoes at Bush

Calls for a "free Afrikaner republic", and vows to take his campaign to the United Nations International Court of Justice in The Hague in a bid to secure this.

This record states: Terre Blanche becomes the speaker at several AWB rallies, encompassing Vryburg, Middelburg, Mpumalanga and Pretoria.

This record states: The AWB announces the re-activation of the political party, for populist reasons, citing the encouragement of the public principally to attacks on commercial farmers and ethnic Boers, the electricity crisis, corruption across Government departments and rampant crime.

Brown calls for an end to irresponsible behaviour in global financial markets.

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

The Federal Reserve authorises emergency credit to prevent the disorderly failure of AIG.

AIG accepts emergency federal lending after severe collateral and liquidity demands.

The United States announces that Abu Laith al-Libi, a senior commander of al-Qaeda who recruited and trained operatives, is killed in a missile strike in northwest Pakistan

Pervez Musharraf is president when the United States announces the death of senior al-Qaeda commander Abu Laith al-Libi in northwest Pakistan.

Kabila appoints Muzito to lead a new governing cabinet.

al-Rifai participates in arab summit connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.

Coaches Argentina to the Olympic football title with a 1-0 final victory over Nigeria.

Announces emergency loans for General Motors and Chrysler from financial rescue funds

General Motors receives emergency federal financing through funds authorised under TARP.

The House rejects the first financial rescue bill, triggering another stock market fall

Wins his first Ballon d'Or after an outstanding club season.

New President Raul Castros Government lifts a ban on Cubans staying at hotels previously reserved for foreigners

The Government commits up to thirty-seven billion pounds to strengthen major banks.

Announces a state guarantee covering major liabilities of Irish domestic banks during the financial crisis.

Darling announces capital support, liquidity assistance and guarantees for the banking system.

The Government announces capital support for RBS, HBOS and Lloyds TSB.

The Government announces detailed capital support for major British banking groups.

Brown outlines capital, liquidity and guarantee measures supporting the banking system.

Brown presents state intervention as necessary to protect savings, businesses and employment.

Makes his Barcelona first-team league debut under Pep Guardiola against Racing Santander.

Bear Stearns is bailed out with emergency funding from JP Morgan and the NY Fed

Bear Stearns is sold to JP Morgan Chase for just $240 million under Fed pressure in an emergency rescue takeover

Bear Stearns receives emergency secured funding after counterparties withdraw financing.

The Federal Reserve supports the Bear Stearns transaction to reduce systemic financial risk.

JPMorgan Chase agrees to acquire Bear Stearns with Federal Reserve assistance.

Wins his eighth gold medal of the Beijing Olympics

Bangladeshi authorities say a new outbreak of bird flu had been detected at a village in the north of the country as they struggle to contain the disease

Launches the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Funds equipment for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

By November 2008 the Foundation had raised 1 million pounds

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah

Israeli tanks and infantry are invading Gaza with air and naval support

The Israeli operation is in retaliation to the firing of Qassasm rockets and mortar bombs into Israeli towns by Palestinian militants. Israel closes all border crossings into the Gaza Strip in response to the Palestinian attacks, aid and fuel shipments are affected by the border closing. An Israeli strike kills Several Palestinians in Gaza, as many as 20 Palestinians, many member of Hamas, die in the attack

Israel commences air strikes against the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, code named Operation Cast Lead

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi

Six members of Hamas are killed, it considers this attack a "massive breach of the truce," and rocket attacks towards Israeli cities around Gaza increase sharply in November 2008, approaching the pre-truce levels

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah

China plans to increase its military budget by 417.8 billion yuan ($59 billion) or nearly 18% as compared to previous year

Heads the government as the Bundestag approves legislation accompanying German ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

The Dalai Lama urges Tibetans to protest peacefully and avoid violence.

Suspends her presidential campaign and endorses Barack Obama

Funds equipment for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Paulson uses TARP authority to purchase preferred shares in major financial institutions.

Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Takes command of United States Central Command

Saves Nicolas Anelka's penalty to secure Manchester United's European title.

Scores Manchester United's first penalty in the shootout as the club defeat Chelsea to win the Champions League.

Wins the Champions League with Manchester United after the final against Chelsea is decided by penalties.

Wins the Champions League with Manchester United against Chelsea.

Mylswamy Annadurai serves as project director when Chandrayaan-1 launches on India's first mission to the Moon.

Brown appears as a surprise guest at the Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Citigroup receives federal capital support and protection against losses on selected assets.

The Climate Change Act establishes legally binding emissions-reduction targets.

Brown's government enacts the world's first statutory national emissions-reduction framework.

The Curse of Steptoe, a BBC TV play about Brambell and his co-star Harry H Corbett, is broadcast on digital BBC channel BBC FOUR, featuring Phil Davis as Brambel

Presents his resignation to the president of Congress before the end of his term.

Bangladeshs military-backed Government says it will end nearly two years of emergency rule and restore civil liberties before this months national elections

Bangladeshis voted in their droves in elections that mark the end of two years of emergency rule, with a pair of rival former Prime Minister's vying to reclaim power in the impoverished nation

Due to constitutionally mandated term limits, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive Presidential term, his successor, Dmitry Medvedev nominates Putin to be Russian Prime Minister

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Parliament completes a limited revision of the constitution.

The Federal Reserve joins other central banks in a coordinated reduction of policy rates.

Is arrested on corruption charges involving the vacant Senate seat of Barack Obama

Is convicted in a federal corruption case shortly before the election

The Counter-Terrorism Act changes information, sentencing and investigative powers.

Bank of America buys struggling Countrywide for $4 billion

Bank of America buys struggling Countrywide for $4 billion

Merrill Lynch sub-prime losses top $23 billion

The Fed releases another $200 billion emergency funding. Former bosses of Citigroup and Merrill Lynch face a congressional committee grilling over pay

Bear Stearns is bailed out with emergency funding from JP Morgan and the NY Fed

Bear Stearns is sold to JP Morgan Chase for just $240 million under Fed pressure in an emergency rescue takeover

Henry Paulson proposes sweeping reforms to banking controls

JP Morgan profits dive 50 per cent

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

President Bush agrees to back deal to save Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Wall Street shares tumble as the International Monetary Fund warns the US housing crisis is not over

Freddie Mac reports $821 million loss

In one of the biggest losses in UK corporate history, RBS reports a pre-tax loss of œ692 million in the first half, after writing down œ5.9 billion on investments hit by the credit crunch

The Bank of England provides a short-term secured loan of up to 100 million pounds to stricken Icelandic bank Landsbanki "to help maximise the returns to UK creditors". The 37-billion-pound nationallization announcement is the first implementation of a rescue package for banks that was unveiled last week, which made available 50 billion pounds to inject cash into financial institutions in return for shares

Iceland announces part of a plan to hammer out a financial package to shore up its troubled banking sector, the countrys largest banks agree to sell off some of their foreign assets and bring them home.

Icelands Prime Minister Geir Haarde has admits he is in a race against time to negotiate a rescue deal for the countrys ailing financial system that could include a merger of some of the nations banks.

The Icelandic Government takes control of Landsbanki, the countrys second largest bank, which owns Icesave in the UK

Henry Paulson proposes sweeping reforms to banking controls

The rescue plan includes guarantees intended to reopen medium-term bank funding.

The Act changes sentencing, criminal justice and immigration provisions.

Brown condemns bankers whose excessive risks threaten households and the wider economy.

Cuba politely declined a US offer to send a disaster assessment team to the island after Hurricane Gustav, saying it would rather Washington suspend restrictions on travel and the sale of food and other materials it needs to recover

Burnham becomes Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Accepts the Democratic presidential nomination before a large convention crowd in Denver

Is nominated for vice president at the Democratic convention.

Clinches enough delegates to become the Democratic presidential nominee

Xinhua reports that 18 civilians and a policeman have died in Lhasa, a total of 382 people were wounded, 58 seriously, according to Xinhua, arsonists set fire to 908 shops, 84 vehicles, seven schools and 120 homes

The Dalai Lama denies Chinese allegations that he organised the unrest.

The Dalai Lama endorses renewed contact between his envoys and Chinese officials.

Russiann relations worsen after Tbilisi detaines four Russians whom it said were spies. Russia cuts transport and postal links with Georgia and expels hundreds of Georgians alleged to be living in Russia illegally, police also crack down on Georgian businesses in Moscow

King Abdullah told US ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and US General David Petraeus to "cut off the head of the snake" about Iran

China plans to increase its military budget by 417.8 billion yuan ($59 billion) or nearly 18% as compared to previous year

China plans to increase its military budget by 417.8 billion yuan ($59 billion) or nearly 18% as compared to previous year

The earthquake that strikes Sichuan Province has a strength of 7.9 on the Richter scale, causing landslides and destroying thousands of buildings

According to the Chinese Government more than 40,000 people have been killed and 247,645 have been injured in last weeks devastating earthquake near the city of Dujiangyan in Sichuan Province

The earthquake that strikes Sichuan Province has a strength of 7.9 on the Richter scale, causing landslides and destroying thousands of buildings

According to the Chinese Government more than 40,000 people have been killed and 247,645 have been injured in last weeks devastating earthquake near the city of Dujiangyan in Sichuan Province

Signs the Economic Stimulus Act to send tax rebates and business incentives during the downturn

Cubans snapped up DVD players, motorbikes and pressure cookers for the first time as Raul Castros new Government loosens controls on consumer goods and invites private farmers to plant tobacco, coffee and other crops on unused state land

New regulations allow thousands of Cubans to get title to state-owned homes, a step that might lay the groundwork for broader housing reform

Lines stretch for blocks outside phone centres as the Government allows ordinary Cubans to sign up for cellular phone service for the first time

A Government spokesman says that South Africa has waived Cuban debt totaling more than 100 million dollars

Cuba announces a major shake-up of its troubled farm sector on May Day, shifting control of the islands farms from officials at the Agriculture Ministry to more than 150 local councils

Computers go on sale to the general public

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

President Raul Castro warns Cubans to prepare for a "realistic" brand of communism that is economically viable and does away with excessive state subsidies designed to promote equality on the island

Communist officials decree that private farmers and cooperatives can use up to 100 acres (40 hectares) of idle Government land, as President Raul Castro works to revive the floundering agricultural sector

It is reported that Cuba had notified at least 2 foreign Governments that it could not meet debt payments

Cuba politely declined a US offer to send a disaster assessment team to the island after Hurricane Gustav, saying it would rather Washington suspend restrictions on travel and the sale of food and other materials it needs to recover

Deadly Hurricane Ike roared across Cuba, blowing buildings to rubble and sending waves surging over homes, 900,000 Cubans evacuated from its path, which forecasters said could take it to Louisiana or Texas

Hurricane Ike roared south of Havana, Cuba, after tearing across the island nation, ravaging homes, killing at least four people and forcing 1.2 million to evacuate

A US Navy ship loaded with humanitarian aid steamed through the Dardanelles on its way to Georgia, as the Bush administration prepared to roll out a $1 billion economic aid package for the ex-Soviet republic

Iceland announces part of a plan to hammer out a financial package to shore up its troubled banking sector, the countrys largest banks agree to sell off some of their foreign assets and bring them home

The Icelandic Government takes control of Landsbanki, the countrys second largest bank, which owns Icesave in the UK

Bush proposes a $145 billion stimulus package, responding to a crisis in the housing market and rising oil prices, president says a combination of tax cuts for individuals and businesses will "provide a shot in the arm" to the economy

Responding to fears that the US is headed for an imminent recession, stock markets fall drastically in Frankfurt, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Paris, London, and other major cities in Europe and Asia

In response to the plunge in markets around the world, the Federal Reserve bank cuts interest rates by .75%, the largest single-day reduction in the bank's history

The Bush administration hands out a $146 billion stimulus package that gives rebates of $300-$600 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and to couples with incomes up to $150,000

Bangladeshs military-backed Government says it will end nearly two years of emergency rule and restore civil liberties before this months national elections

Bangladeshis voted in their droves in elections that mark the end of two years of emergency rule, with a pair of rival former Prime Minister's vying to reclaim power in the impoverished nation

Democrat Hillary Clinton finishes first in the New Hampshire primary, ahead of Barack Obama and John Edwards

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee are victorious in the Iowa caucuses, the first races of the presidential primary season

John McCain secures the 2008 US Republican Party presidential nomination after winning primary elections in Texas, Vermont, Ohio, and Rhode Island

Kennedy gave an endorsement to Obama despite appeals by both Clintons not to do so

After incumbent President Mwai Kibaki is declared the winner in the presidential election over opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who had a wide lead in preliminary results, about 50 Kikuyu who seek refuge in a church in Kiambaa at the hands of a mob

Odinga refuses Kibakis invitation to discuss the political crisis after Kibaki appoints his cabinet, which does not include any members of Odingas Orange Democratic Party

Dmitry Medvedev is elected President of Russia with about 70% of the vote, scheduled to succeed Vladimir Putin in May

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee are victorious in the Iowa caucuses, the first races of the presidential primary season

Democrat Hillary Clinton finishes first in the New Hampshire primary, ahead of Barack Obama and John Edwards

Among the January 2008 DNC-sanctioned state contests, Obama ties with Hillary Clinton for delegates in the New Hampshire primary and wins more delegates than Clinton in the Iowa, Nevada and South Carolina elections and caucuses

Defeats John McCain in the general election with 365 electoral votes to McCain's 173 and becomes the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Barack Obama defeats John McCain to become the 44th President of the United States and the first African American President in US history

Defeats John McCain to become president-elect of the United States

Time magazine names Barack Obama as its Person of the Year for his historic candidacy and election, which it described as "the steady march of seemingly impossible accomplishments"

Elected Prime Minister of Russia

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Mikhail Saakashvili wins 52.% of the vote over his nearest challenger, Levan Gachechiladze, who tallies 27%

Concedes the presidential election to Barack Obama after losing the Electoral College

The Election Commission postpones parliamentary voting after Benazir Bhutto's assassination.

Brown announces an emergency programme to recapitalise banks and guarantee funding.

Brown unveils capital injections, debt guarantees and expanded liquidity support.

Signs the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act authorizing the Troubled Asset Relief Program

The Federal Reserve cuts its target rate after sharp declines in international markets.

Brown joins European leaders coordinating bank recapitalisation and medium-term funding measures.

Helps launch Liverpool's European Capital of Culture programme.

Is named player of the European Championship.

Guides Spain to victory over Germany in the final.

Captains Spain to European Championship victory over Germany.

Helps Spain defeat Germany in the European Championship final.

Helps Spain win the European Championship final.

Seeks assurances addressing Irish concerns over taxation, neutrality, ethical issues and retention of a national Commissioner.

Sarkozy hosted euro-area leaders in Paris to coordinate measures responding to the financial crisis.

SpaceX's Falcon 1 reaches orbit after earlier failed attempts

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

Announces Treasury support for the housing finance agencies after the conservatorship decision

FHFA announces that Fannie Mae has been placed into federal conservatorship.

Releases Fearless, a major country-pop crossover album

In response to the plunge in markets around the world, the Federal Reserve bank cuts interest rates by .75%, the largest single-day reduction in the bank's history

Proposes a broad redesign of financial regulation after months of credit-market stress

Brown explains the Government's intervention to stabilise banks and protect the economy.

Cowen responds to the first Lisbon referendum defeat and opens discussions with European partners.

Signs surveillance legislation updating rules for foreign intelligence collection

Kalas leads Hubble observations that reveal a visible-light point source moving around Fomalhaut within its debris system.

Awarded a place in the football Hall of Fame at the National Football Museum in Preston, joining fellow former Seasiders Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortensen in the list of Blackpool players selected

Authorities restrict foreign media access while presenting the government's account of the unrest.

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

FHFA announces that Freddie Mac has been placed into federal conservatorship.

France began its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union under Sarkozy.

A statue of Johnny Haynes is unveiled at Craven Cottage before the Premier League match against Sunderland

Tibetan demonstrations occur in Gansu as unrest spreads beyond the autonomous region.

Pakistan reschedules the general election for February 2008.

Brown argues that international cooperation is essential during the global financial crisis.

Mugabe signs a power-sharing agreement with the two MDC formations.

On their way to winning the gold medal, the British Team pursuit break their own world record in a time of 3:53:314, beating their Danish competitors by 6.7 seconds

Signs a peace agreement with the government and other armed groups intended to reduce conflict in the Kivus.

Google releases the Chrome web browser for Windows

Wen Jiabao accuses supporters of the Dalai Lama of organising the violence.

Norberto Collado Abreu, the helmsman of the Granma yacht that carried Fidel Castro from Mexico to Cuba to launch his revolution in 1956, dies in Havana

The NBER committee announces that the recession began in December 2007.

At an Israeli Cabinet meeting, Yuval Diskin, Head of Israels internal security agency, confirms the seriousness of Hamass interest in maintaining the truce

Between Khaled Meshal and Jimmy Carter an understanding is reached in which Hamas agreed it would respect the creation of a Palestinian state in the territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, provided this were ratified by a referendum

An Israeli strike kills Several Palestinians in Gaza, as many as 20 Palestinians, many member of Hamas, die in the attack

After members of Hamas destroy parts of a wall that separates the Gaza Strip from Egypt, tens of thousands of Palestinians pass into Egypt to buy food and supplies that are either unavailable in Gaza or are exorbitantly priced

An Egyptian-brokered pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas, consisting of a six-month lull, translating the Arabic term Tahdia, goes into effect for the Gaza area, neither side respect it. An agreement requires Hamas to end rocket attacks upon Israel in exchange for an end of the blockade and for commerce in Gaza to be restored to the level preceding Israels withdrawal in 2005 and Hamass electoral victory

Six members of Hamas are killed, it considers this attack a "massive breach of the truce," and rocket attacks towards Israeli cities around Gaza increase sharply in November 2008, approaching the pre-truce levels

Contending that Israel had not lifted the Gaza Strip blockade and following an Israeli raid into the Gaza Strip on November 4, Hamas resumes its rocket and mortar attacks on Israel.

Six members of Hamas are killed, it considers this attack a "massive breach of the truce," and rocket attacks towards Israeli cities around Gaza increase sharply in November 2008, approaching the pre-truce levels.

The Israeli military raids a Hamas-dug tunnel between Gaza and Israel on the Gazan side of the border.

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Hamas, reported 185 Israeli violations in the lull period

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah

Israel commences air strikes against the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, code named Operation Cast Lead.

Israel launches its military operation with the stated objective of defending itself from Hamas rocket fire, Hamas demands the cessation of Israeli attacks and an end to the Israeli blockade.

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gaza's main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah.

Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas leader, says that his group is willing to renew the hudna if Israel refrains from operating in Gaza, and lifts its blockade of the Gaza strip

Mugabe contests presidential and parliamentary elections against a strengthened opposition.

An ailing, 81-year-old Fidel Castro resigns as Cuba's President after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when Parliament meets Feb 24

Bangladeshi authorities say a new outbreak of bird flu had been detected at a village in the north of the country as they struggle to contain the disease

Diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer and undergoes chemotherapy and other treatments at the Stanford University Medical Center

An Israeli-Government-appointed panel, the Winograd Commission, on Israels 2006 war against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, calls the operation a "large and serious" failure and criticizes the countrys leadership

The Government confronts the sharpest annual fall in house prices since 1992.

Signs legislation strengthening federal powers over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The Act creates the Homes and Communities Agency and reforms social-housing regulation.

Treasury establishes financial-support agreements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

A failure in Hubble's Science Instrument Command and Data Handler causes NASA to delay Servicing Mission 4 until a replacement can be flown.

Cuba politely declined a US offer to send a disaster assessment team to the island after Hurricane Gustav, saying it would rather Washington suspend restrictions on travel and the sale of food and other materials it needs to recover

Deadly Hurricane Ike roared across Cuba, blowing buildings to rubble and sending waves surging over homes, 900,000 Cubans evacuated from its path, which forecasters said could take it to Louisiana or Texas

Hurricane Ike roared south of Havana, Cuba, after tearing across the island nation, ravaging homes, killing at least four people and forcing 1.2 million to evacuate

Hurricane Ike barreled across the warm, energizing waters of the Gulf of Mexico on its way toward the Texas coast after crashing through Cuba's tobacco country and toppling aging Havana buildings

Gustav swelled to a fearsome Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph (195 kph) as it shrieked toward the heartland of Cuba's cigar industry on a track to hit the US Gulf Coast, three years after Hurricane Katrina

Venus Express detects hydroxyl in Venus's upper atmosphere, the first detection of the molecule in another planet's atmosphere.

Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, is chosen as the winner of the 2008 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

Is convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Is convicted of genocide and other serious crimes.

Is convicted in the ICTR Military I case.

The Government begins implementing its bank recapitalisation package.

Is appointed Inter Milan manager, beginning his first coaching role in Italian football.

The Dalai Lama urges Tibetans not to target Han Chinese or Hui civilians.

Holds a conference at Mecca to urge Muslim leaders to speak with one voice with Jewish and Christian leaders

Holds a conference at Mecca to urge Muslim leaders to speak with one voice with Jewish and Christian leaders

Calls for a "free Afrikaner republic", and vows to take his campaign to the United Nations International Court of Justice in The Hague in a bid to secure this

Tenzin Gyatso calls for an independent international investigation into the unrest.

At an Israeli Cabinet meeting, Yuval Diskin, Head of Israels internal security agency, confirms the seriousness of Hamass interest in maintaining the truce

An Egyptian-brokered pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas, consisting of a six-month lull, translating the Arabic term Tahdia, goes into effect for the Gaza area, neither side respect it. An agreement requires Hamas to end rocket attacks upon Israel in exchange for an end of the blockade and for commerce in Gaza to be restored to the level preceding Israels withdrawal in 2005 and Hamass electoral victory

The Israeli military raids a Hamas-dug tunnel between Gaza and Israel on the Gazan side of the border. Six members of Hamas are killed, it considers this attack a "massive breach of the truce," and rocket attacks towards Israeli cities around Gaza increase sharply in November 2008, approaching the pre-truce levels

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Hamas, reported 185 Israeli violations in the lull period

Delivers a Last Minute Warning in an interview with the Arabic language satellite channel al-Arabiya. "I am telling them now, it may be the last minute, Im telling them stop it. We are stronger"

Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas leader, says that his group is willing to renew the hudna if Israel refrains from operating in Gaza, and lifts its blockade of the Gaza strip

``We will not allow the death of our compatriots to go unpunished,Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, 42, told state television after reports that Georgian troops had shelled a Russian barracks and checkpoint and killed soldiers

Moscow says it had launched a raid on the town of Senaki to stop Georgia from attacking Russian forces in South Ossetia, another breakaway region. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia.

Russian troops enter Georgia from the breakaway region of Abkhazia, as the conflict between the two neighbours appears to be broadening. Russia advances beyond the borders of Abkhazia, saying it had launched an operation in the town of Senaki.

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says ``war has started in the breakaway region of South Ossetia while Georgia accuses Russia of ``a well-planned invasion and appeals to world leaders for help. Georgia, a US ally who wants to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, accuses Russia of stoking tensions in South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili signs an EU-backed ceasefire, but the document is rejected by Moscow

A US Navy ship loaded with humanitarian aid steamed through the Dardanelles on its way to Georgia, as the Bush administration prepared to roll out a $1 billion economic aid package for the ex-Soviet republic

In Georgia US Vice President Dick Cheney condemned Russia for what he called an "illegitimate, unilateral attempt" to redraw this US allys borders by force

French President Nicolas Sarkozy pressed Moscow to honor its pledge to withdraw troops from Georgia, while Russian soldiers prevented international aid convoys from visiting Georgian villages in a tense zone around the breakaway province of South Ossetia

Russia said it will station 7,600 troops in South Ossetia and in Abkhazia, announcing an imposing long-term presence less than a day after agreeing to pull forces back from areas surrounding the provinces

Georgias Government said intercepted mobile phone calls show that Russian tanks and troops invaded before Georgia unleashed its offensive against South Ossetia, pressing its claim that Russia was the aggressor in the war last month

An Israeli-Government-appointed panel, the Winograd Commission, on Israels 2006 war against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, calls the operation a "large and serious" failure and criticizes the countrys leadership

Wins the Republican Iowa caucus at the start of the presidential race

Wins the Iowa Democratic caucus and becomes a leading presidential contender

Introduces the iPhone 3G and the App Store model

The United States and Iraq sign an agreement setting a timetable for troop withdrawal

Wins the Italian Super Cup as Inter defeat Roma on penalties.

Receives Kennedy Center Honors with Pete Townshend.

Receives Kennedy Center Honors with Roger Daltrey.

King Abdullah calls for a "brotherly and sincere dialogue between believers from all religions"

Scores the late winning goal against Osasuna that mathematically secures the league title.

The Icelandic Government takes control of Landsbanki, the countrys second largest bank, which owns Icesave in the UK

Several Labour MPs publicly question Brown's leadership during the financial crisis.

Lebanese authorities indict Gaddafi over the disappearance of Musa al-Sadr and two companions.

Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy after failing to obtain a buyer or government rescue.

Protests in Lhasa escalate into rioting, attacks and a broad security crackdown.

Shops and vehicles are attacked during the violent phase of the Lhasa unrest.

Begins consultations with European partners after Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.

Brown's government defends legislation ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.

The Commons gives the European Union Amendment Bill its second reading.

Helps secure UK ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

Heads the government when Italy enacts the law ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.

Acknowledges the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, with 53.4 percent of voters opposing ratification.

Labour records its weakest local-election performance for several decades.

Appointed manager of Leeds United

Appointed manager of Leeds United

Scolari takes over as manager of Chelsea

Scores during the final before United prevail on penalties.

Cuba announces a major shake-up of its troubled farm sector on May Day, shifting control of the islands farms from officials at the Agriculture Ministry to more than 150 local councils

Calls for dialogue among Muslim, Christian and Jewish religious leaders.

Helps organize the conference promoting dialogue among religions.

It is reported that Cuba had notified at least 2 foreign Governments that it could not meet debt payments

MESSENGER images terrain on Mercury that had never previously been seen by spacecraft during the first flyby.

MESSENGER images provide strong evidence for ancient volcanic activity on Mercury, including identified volcanic vents.

Merrill Lynch sub-prime losses top $23 billion

Merrill Lynch agrees to be acquired by Bank of America during the market panic.

Bank of America agrees to purchase Merrill Lynch as financial-market turmoil intensifies.

MESSENGER completes its first Mercury flyby and returns the first close-up observations of the planet in more than thirty years.

Swain leads Hubble observations detecting methane in HD 189733b, the first organic molecule identified in an exoplanet atmosphere.

Tenzin Gyatso reiterates his demand for genuine autonomy rather than Tibetan independence.

The trial chamber initially sentences him to life imprisonment.

The trial chamber imposes a life sentence.

The trial chamber sentences him to life imprisonment.

Stars as Harvey Milk in the biographical drama Milk

Monks begin demonstrations in Lhasa on the anniversary of the 1959 uprising.

Treasury announces a temporary guarantee programme for eligible money-market mutual funds.

Coordinated terrorist attacks begin across Mumbai, creating a major national security crisis.

al-Rifai participates in national development connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.

Cubans snapped up DVD players, motorbikes and pressure cookers for the first time as Raul Castro's new Government loosens controls on consumer goods and invites private farmers to plant tobacco, coffee and other crops on unused state land

Alistair Darling announces that Northern Rock will be nationalised

The 37-billion-pound nationalization announcement is the first implementation of a rescue package for banks that was unveiled last week, which made available 50 billion pounds to inject cash into financial institutions in return for shares

Helps the Boston Celtics defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals

Wins the New Hampshire Democratic primary after losing Iowa

Wins the New Hampshire Republican primary and revives his presidential campaign

New Horizons begins another scheduled hibernation cycle while continuing its multi-year cruise toward Pluto.

Monks and security forces clash in Ngaba during expanding Tibetan protests.

Brown's government chooses temporary public ownership after private-sale efforts fail.

Darling announces that Northern Rock will transfer into temporary public ownership.

Brown's government announces that Northern Rock will enter temporary public ownership.

Northern Rock formally transfers into temporary public ownership.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group grants India a waiver permitting civilian nuclear commerce despite India remaining outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Endorses Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination

On the final day of the Pope's visit, he visited the World Trade Center site and later celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium.

Karamanlis makes the first official visit by a Greek prime minister to Turkey in decades.

Brown's government confronts inflationary pressure as oil prices reach a record level.

Gaddafi proposes distributing oil revenue directly while abolishing most government ministries.

Scores the only goal as Argentina defeat Nigeria to win a second consecutive Olympic football gold medal.

The Dalai Lama supports Beijing hosting the Olympics while opposing repression in Tibet.

Israel commences air strikes against the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, code named Operation Cast Lead

Brown promotes coordinated European action to restore bank lending and confidence.

ZANU-PF wins fewer elected Assembly seats than the combined MDC factions.

Patrick's Cathedral, met with disabled children and their families, and attended an event for Catholic youth, where he addressed some 25,000 young people in attendance.

Promulgates a pension reform creating a solidarity pension system.

Time magazine names Barack Obama as its Person of the Year for his historic candidacy and election, which it described as "the steady march of seemingly impossible accomplishments"

Awarded the PFA Merit Award

NASA's Phoenix lander touches down near the Martian north pole

The Pope also met privately with victims of sexual abuse by priests. The Pope travelled to New York where he addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Also while in New York, the Pope celebrated Mass at St.

Tsvangirai signs the agreement creating a framework for a government of national unity.

Tarlev resigns after nearly seven years as Prime Minister

Seretse Ian Khama, the half-white son of Botswanas first president, is sworn in as President

Raul Castro became the new President, the islands Parliament appoints revolutionary leader Jose Ramon Machado for the Governments No. 2 spot

Raul Castro became the new President, the islands Parliament appoints revolutionary leader Jose Ramon Machado for the Governments No. 2 spot

Mikheil Saakashvili sworn in for second - and last - term as president of Georgia

Asif Ali Zardari begins his first presidential term.

Takes office after ending more than six decades of Colorado Party presidential rule.

Mugabe opens his campaign by attacking opposition presidential candidates.

Debates John McCain in the first presidential debate during the financial crisis

Wins the election and breaks Colorado Party control of the presidency.

Musharraf resigns while facing parliamentary impeachment proceedings.

Mugabe contests a runoff after Tsvangirai withdraws amid political violence.

Putin was barred from a third term by the Constitution, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was elected his successor, in a power-switching operation on 8 May 2008, only a day after handing the presidency to Medvedev, Putin was appointed Prime Minister of Russia, maintaining his political dominance

Yousaf Raza Gillani becomes Prime Minister after the Pakistan Peoples Party's election victory.

Elected Prime Minister of Russia. Due to constitutionally mandated term limits, Putin was ineligible to run for a third consecutive Presidential term, his successor, Dmitry Medvedev nominates Putin to be Russian Prime Minister

Zinaida Greceanii becomes Moldova's first female Prime Minister

California voters approve Proposition 8, restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples

Security authorities respond after Han Chinese and Hui-owned property is attacked in Lhasa.

Treasury support creates large public stakes in RBS and the Lloyds-HBOS group.

The recapitalisation plan gives taxpayers substantial ownership interests in rescued banks.

Morales wins a recall referendum and strengthens his presidential mandate.

Elected Rector of the University of Glasgow

Between Khaled Meshal and Jimmy Carter an understanding is reached in which Hamas agreed it would respect the creation of a Palestinian state in the territory seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, provided this were ratified by a referendum

An official says that Cuba has authorized sex-change operations and will offer them free for qualifying citizens

New regulations allow thousands of Cubans to get title to state-owned homes, a step that might lay the groundwork for broader housing reform

Accepts the Republican presidential nomination at the party convention

Secures the Republican presidential nomination after further primary victories

Attempts to leave office early in connection with his move toward a Senate seat.

An ailing, 81-year-old Fidel Castro resigns as Cuba's President after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when Parliament meets Feb 24

Prime Minister Romano Prodi resigns after losing a no-confidence vote in the senate

Wen Jiabao defends the security response and promises restraint toward peaceful demonstrators.

Brown says the Government will provide stability during severe financial turbulence.

Heads Manchester United into the lead against Chelsea before the match goes to penalties.

Georgia, a US ally who wants to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, accuses Russia of stoking tensions in South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia

Russia said it will station 7,600 troops in South Ossetia and in Abkhazia, announcing an imposing long-term presence less than a day after agreeing to pull forces back from areas surrounding the provinces

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed friendship treaties with Georgias breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and promised them the backing of Russias armed forces

Russia, which supports the South Osettias bid for separation, bombs targets throughout Georgia and moves troops into the region and into Abkhazia

Georgia, a US ally who wants to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, accuses Russia of stoking tensions in South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia

Russia said it will station 7,600 troops in South Ossetia and in Abkhazia, announcing an imposing long-term presence less than a day after agreeing to pull forces back from areas surrounding the provinces

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed friendship treaties with Georgias breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and promised them the backing of Russias armed forces

The California Supreme Court ruling permits same-sex marriages in the state

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

The EU agrees to lift its 2003 diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, but imposes tough conditions on the communist island to maintain sanction-free relations

Israel closes all border crossings into the Gaza Strip in response to the Palestinian attacks, aid and fuel shipments are affected by the border closing

After members of Hamas destroy parts of a wall that separates the Gaza Strip from Egypt, tens of thousands of Palestinians pass into Egypt to buy food and supplies that are either unavailable in Gaza or are exorbitantly priced

Begins a widely watched impersonation of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live

Wins his second Champions League crown when Manchester United defeat Chelsea on penalties.

MESSENGER completes a second close flyby of Mercury and adjusts its solar orbit for eventual capture by the planet.

Authorities impose extensive security and access restrictions across Lhasa following the unrest.

Israeli tanks and infantry are invading Gaza with air and naval support

Contending that Israel had not lifted the Gaza Strip blockade and following an Israeli raid into the Gaza Strip on November 4, Hamas resumes its rocket and mortar attacks on Israel

The Israeli Air Force bombed roughly 100 targets in four minutes, including Hamas bases, training camps, headquarters and offices in all of Gazas main towns, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Israel launches its military operation with the stated objective of defending itself from Hamas rocket fire, Hamas demands the cessation of Israeli attacks and an end to the Israeli blockade

The conflict over South Ossetia also appears to have widened, with Georgia accusing Russia of capturing the town of Gori, just 76km (47 miles) from Tbilisi

Moscow says it had launched a raid on the town of Senaki to stop Georgia from attacking Russian forces in South Ossetia, another breakaway region

Releases Single Ladies, one of her defining pop singles

Brown proposes additional European financing support for small businesses.

A university sit-in expresses solidarity with Tibetan demonstrators while remaining peaceful.

The exile leadership welcomes peaceful solidarity actions by Tibetan students in Beijing.

Wins a major South Carolina Democratic primary victory over Hillary Clinton

Becomes the first Spain captain lifting a major trophy since 1964.

Wins the country's first major senior title since 1964.

Contributes creative midfield play throughout the title-winning campaign.

Directs Spain's possession play throughout the title-winning tournament.

Provides defensive strength and attacking width from right-back.

Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Iajuddin Ahmed signs an order sending the army back to the barracks, drawing to an end the state of emergency that began Jan 11, 2007

Bangladeshs military-backed Government says it will end nearly two years of emergency rule and restore civil liberties before this months national elections

Bush delivers his last State of the Union address

The Dalai Lama's administration reports demonstrations in Tibetan areas of Gansu.

The Dalai Lama condemns violence in Lhasa while calling for an investigation.

The exile administration reports casualties and arrests following clashes in Ngaba.

A statue of Johnny Haynes is unveiled at Craven Cottage before the Premier League match against Sunderland

Leads the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots

Competes with Hillary Clinton across multiple Super Tuesday Democratic contests

Starmer begins serving as Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the CPS.

Chinese officials meet representatives of the Dalai Lama after international calls for dialogue.

Succeeds Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach.

Proposes a large rescue plan to stabilize banks and purchase troubled financial assets

The Government announces a temporary reduction in VAT to support demand during recession.

Tesla begins regular production of the Roadster electric sports car

Releases Tha Carter III under the stage name Lil Wayne

Directs The Baader Meinhof Complex.

Stars as Batman in The Dark Knight, one of the year's major films

Directs The Dark Knight, which becomes a major critical and commercial success

Publishes The Hunger Games, the first novel in the dystopian young adult series

Coaches Real Madrid to their thirty-first Spanish league championship.

Tibetan students hold a peaceful solidarity sit-in at a Beijing university.

The exile administration marks the uprising anniversary while reporting renewed protests in Tibet.

Agrees a move from Ajax to Real Madrid during the winter transfer period.

In the UK, the European Union (Amendment) Bill is debated in the House of Commons on and passes its second reading that day by a vote of 362 to 224; Prime Minister Gordon Brown is absent that day, and leaves the Bill to be defended by David Miliband

The European Parliament approves the Treaty by 525 votes in favour and 115 against

The trial of Charles Taylor, charged with crimes against humanity for supporting rebel troops in Sierra Leones brutal civil war that claimed the lives of about 300,000 people in the 1990s, resumes at the Hague

Scores twice as Argentina defeat Brazil 3-0 in the Olympic football semi-final.

Demonstrations spread from Lhasa into Tibetan communities in neighbouring Chinese provinces.

US Justice Department officials announce that a US Government official and up to four Chinese nationals are being charged with spying on the United States and giving US military secrets to the Chinese Government

Wins the US Open after an eighteen-hole playoff and sudden-death hole

Is elected vice president on Barack Obama's ticket.

Is introduced as Barack Obama's Democratic running mate.

Is named John McCain's Republican running mate

Debates Sarah Palin during the campaign.

President George W Bush visits Israel and Palestinian Territories for the first time

Arrives in Washington, DC where he was received at the White House and met President Bush.

Voyager 2's planetary radio astronomy experiment is switched off to conserve spacecraft power.

Wells Fargo announces an agreement to acquire Wachovia without direct federal assistance.

Directs WALL-E for Pixar, combining animation with environmental themes

The FDIC closes Washington Mutual in the largest bank failure in United States history.

JPMorgan Chase purchases most Washington Mutual assets and deposits from the FDIC.

Phoenix confirms water ice in a Martian soil sample

West Ham United officially retire the number 6 shirt as a mark of respect 15 years after his death

While in Washington, he addressed representatives of US Catholic universities, met with leaders of other world religions, and celebrated Mass at the Washington Nationals' baseball stadium with 47,000 people.

An Israeli-Government-appointed panel, the Winograd Commission, on Israels 2006 war against the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, calls the operation a "large and serious" failure and criticizes the countrys leadership

Becomes the first Portuguese winner since Luis Figo.

Member of Olympic team pursuit squad which breaks the world record in the heats with a time of 3:55:202, beating their Russian opponents comfortably to go through to the final ride-off for silver and gold

On their way to winning the gold medal, the British Team pursuit break their own world record in a time of 3:53:314, beating their Danish competitors by 6.7 seconds

Leads the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series championship

Official results show ZANU-PF losing its elected majority in the Assembly.

Election results show ZANU-PF losing its parliamentary majority for the first time.

The Federal Reserve lowers the federal funds target range to near zero.

Death of Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Death of Charlton Heston

Death of David Paul Scofield

Hillarys death is announced by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark during which she states that his passing was a "profound loss to New Zealand". Death of Edmund Percival Hillary

Death of Heath Ledger

Dies in New York before the release of The Dark Knight

Death of Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr

Death of John Michael Crichton

Death of John Mills

Norberto Collado Abreu, the helmsman of the Granma yacht that carried Fidel Castro from Mexico to Cuba to launch his revolution in 1956, dies in Havana

Death of Paul Leonard Newman

Death of Paul Newman

Death of Rick Wright

Death of Suharto

Death of Tata Guines, Cuban conga drummer, his six decade career helped popularize Afron rhythms worldwide