Young author Jake Marcionette

Events in 2001 and 20-3

Events in the world in the birth year of Jake Marcionette

• 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 Jake Marcionette (20-3) in history

• Day 20-3 year 1602:
  Dutch East India Company was born. During its 196-year history, it has become one of the most influential companies in the world.
• Day 20-3 year 1727: The great British scientist Sir Isaac Newton passed away in London at 84.
• Day 20-3 year 1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published.
• Day 20-3 year 1969: John Lennon married Yoko Ono in Gibraltar.
• Day 20-3 year 1985: Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod.
• Day 20-3 year 1990: Namibia becomes an independent nation.
• Day 20-3 year 1995: Two members of the Japanese cult Aum Sinrikyo released poisonous gas in a Tokyo subway stop during rush hour, killing 12 people and sending over 5,000 to the hospital for treatment.
• Day 20-3 year 1999: Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first to fly a hot-air balloon nonstop around the world.
• Day 20-3 year 2003: Ground troops entered Iraq and a second round of air strikes against Baghdad was launched.