TV actor Toby Murray

Events in 2001 and 18-9

Events in the world in the birth year of Toby Murray

• Congo president Laurent Kabila assassinated by bodyguard (Jan. 16). Son Joseph Kabila takes over amid continuing civil war.
• Ariel Sharon wins election in Israel (Feb. 6). Right-wing leader chosen overwhelmingly as nation's fifth prime minister in just over five years during worst Israeli-Palestinian violence in years. Background: Middle East.
• The long-simmering resentment of Macedonia's ethnic Albanians erupts into violence in March. The rebels seek greater autonomy within Macedonia. After six months of fighting, a peace agreement is signed (Aug. 13). British-led NATO forces enter the country and disarm the guerrillas. Background: Macedonia and the Balkans.
• U.S. spy plane and Chinese jet collide (April 2); Sino-American relations deteriorate during a standoff. The 24 crew members of the U.S. plane were detained for 11 days and released after the U.S. issued a formal statement of regret.
• Former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic is delivered to UN tribunal in The Hague to await war-crime trial (June 29).
• Without U.S., 178 nations reach agreement on climate accord, which rescues, though dilutes, 1997 Kyoto Protocol (July 23).
• In response to Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, U.S. and British forces launch bombing campaign on Taliban government and al-Qaeda terrorist camps in Afghanistan (Oct. 7). Bombings continue on a daily basis. Background: Afghanistan.
• Irish Republican Army announces that it has begun to dismantle its weapons arsenal, marking a dramatic leap forward in Northern Ireland peace process (Oct. 23). Background: Northern Ireland Primer.
• At a UN-sponsored summit in Bonn, Germany, Afghani factions meet to create a post-Taliban government (Nov. 27). Hamid Karzai is selected as head of the transitional government (Dec. 5). Background: Who's Who in Afghanistan.
• Taliban regime in Afghanistan collapses after two months of bombing by American warplanes and fighting by Northern Alliance ground troops (Dec. 9).
• Israel condemns the Palestinian Authority as a "terror-supporting entity" and severs ties with leader Yasir Arafat following mounting violence against Israelis (Dec. 3). The Israeli Army begins bombing Palestinian areas. Background: Middle East.

Birthday Toby Murray (18-9) in history

• Day 18-9 year 1759: The French city of Quebec surrendered to the British after the September 13 battle on the Plains of Abraham. It was the final battle of the French and Indian Wars, and French General Montcalm and British General Wolfe died in battle.
• Day 18-9 year 1810: Chile declared independence, freed from Spanish rule.
• Day 18-9 year 1850: Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, which required the return of escaped slaves to their owners.
• Day 18-9 year 1851: The first edition of The New York Daily Times, which later became The New York Times, was published.
• Day 18-9 year 1947: The National Security Act, which unified the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was passed.
• Day 18-9 year 1961: Secretary-General of the UN Dag Hammarskjold was killed in a plane crash in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia).
• Day 18-9 year 1970: 27-year-old rock star, Jimi Hendrix, died in London.
• Day 18-9 year 1999: Sammy Sosa became the first player in major league baseball history to hit 60 homers in two seasons.