Israeli jets bomb West Beirut, killing 120 and injuring 232.

20 Aug.

Mexico defaults on a $60 billion foreign debt, the first of several Third World nations to do so. In response, First World bankers begin to grant delays in interest payments.

29 Aug.

Two British explorers complete a three-year expedition to circumnavigate the globe by way of both the North and South poles.

14 Sept.

Christian Phalangist leader Bashir Gemayel, the president-elect of Lebanon, is killed in a bomb explosion.

16 Sept.

In West Beirut, Christian Phalangist militiamen massacre Palestinian civilians in refugee camps. Suspicions of Israeli complicity lead to demands for the resignation of Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin.

1 Oct.

In West German elections the Christian Democrats defeat the Socialists. Christian Democratic leader Helmut Kohl replaces Helmut Schmidt as prime minister.

29 Oct.

Spanish voters elect Socialist leader Felipe Gonzalez as prime minister.

5 Nov.

Brazil and Paraguay complete construction of the sluice gates on the...