ABSTRACT
In 1984, full diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the United States were re-established. Macintosh’s “1984” commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, was aired. Amid growing Congressional dissatisfaction with American military presence in Lebanon in the wake of attacks on US military barracks, President Reagan ordered the US Marines to withdraw from Lebanon. Miners in the United Kingdom began a year-long strike. President Reagan announced his support for an international chemical weapons ban. Operation Meghdoot was begun by India, leading to the Siachen Conflict between India and Pakistan over part of the Kashmir region. In response to the US boycott of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, the Soviet Union refused to participate in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Bruce Springsteen released his album Born in the USA. Burkina Faso became the new name of the republic known as Upper Volta. During a radio sound check, President Reagan joked about having signed a law that would “outlaw Russia,” concluding, “We begin bombing in five minutes.” P. W. Botha took office as State President of South Africa. Two of Indira Gandhi’s Sikh bodyguards assassinated her; her son Rajiv took her place.
