In response to continuing racial violence, South Africa declares an indefinite state of emergency, the first declaration of its kind in twenty-five years.

17 Aug.

In the continuing Iran-Iraq War, Iraqi forces armed with French Exocet missiles attack the Iranian oil terminal of Kharg Island.

13 Sept.

Saudi Arabian oil minister Ahmad Zaki Yamani announces a new oil pricing discount system, spurring plummeting oil prices for the next six months.

7 Oct.

Terrorists hijack the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean and kill an American passenger the next day.

8 Oct.

Les Miserables debuts at London's Palace Theatre.

15 Oct.

Military ruler Gen. Samuel K. Doe is elected president of Liberia despite accusations of election fraud.

3 Nov.

Tanzanian president Julius K. Nyerere, who led his nation to independence, resigns after twenty-one years in power. He is succeeded by Vice President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

9 Nov.

In Moscow, world chess master Anatoly Karpov is...